IJM Green committee

Mission

The IJM Green committee was established in 2021 with the aim to reduce the IJM’s environmental impact. The main focus is to reduce energy usage and waste associated with our research activities.

Mission statement: To drive the IJM towards a more sustainable research environment by actively promoting energy-efficient practices, reducing waste generation, and implementing eco-friendly initiatives across our operations. We aim to contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for both our research community and society at large.

Activities

We have been working hard to reduce our institute’s environmental impact. We’ve made significant strides in energy conservation by switching to LED lighting and adjusting ultra-low temperature freezer settings. To combat waste, we’ve eliminated single-use plastics from meetings, encouraged the reuse of materials, and established a recycling system in partnership with the University’s waste management team. We’ve also partnered with organizations like Les Bouchons de l’Espoir and PAN-biotech to recycle hard plastics and PET bottles. To foster awareness, we’ve appointed “Green Agents“ to spread the word about sustainable practices and joined the Vert-IDF network. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with SupBiotech students on surveys to gather valuable insights. Through these initiatives, we’re proud to contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly research environment at the IJM.

Links to organisations

We have established links with various organisations to help reduce our environmental impact.

Les Bouchons de l’Espoir is a French charity dedicated to recycling plastic bottle caps (and other forms of hard plastic) to raise funds for medical equipment for people with disabilities. The plastic collected is ground into plastic pellets that can then be used to make other plastic items, such as large waste bins or building pallets. By collecting, recycling and selling this plastic to companies that make other plastic products, they are able to generate income that is used to purchase items such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prosthetics. This innovative approach not only helps reduce plastic waste but also provides essential support to individuals in need. Les Bouchons de l’Espoir regularly come to collect non-toxic hard plastic waste from the IJM, including bottle caps, centrifuge tubes, chemical bottles, and plastic pipettes.

PAN-biotech is a European company that specializes in cell culture products. They also specialize in the recycling of PET bottles. They have developed a process that can transform these bottles into high-quality recycled PET flakes, which can then be used to produce new plastic products. By recycling PET bottles, PAN-biotech contributes to reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable circular economy.

Vert-IDF is a network of individuals and organizations from the research community committed to environmental protection and sustainable development in the Île-de-France region, which includes research institutes in Paris and its surrounding suburbs. The network aims to raise awareness about environmental issues, promote sustainable practices, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. It offers a platform for sharing information, resources, and best practices, as well as opportunities for networking and collective action. Vert-IDF plays a crucial role in driving sustainable development and reducing the environmental impact of research institutes in the Île-de-France region.

SupBiotech is a private engineering school located in the Paris metropolitan area, specializing in Biotechnology. The students at SupBiotech are highly motivated and passionate about Biotechnology in the life sciences. SupBiotech students often engage in research projects, internships, and extracurricular activities related to biotechnology, including conducting environmental impact surveys for research institutes, such as the IJM.

Green Committee members