Two facilities at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) have been celebrated for implementing best-in-class sustainable practices, as part of a national initiative led by Research Ireland.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, announced 72 sustainable laboratory certifications across 12 higher education institutions in Ireland. The certifications are part of a pioneering effort to promote eco-conscious practices in research environments.
TUS was awarded two of the three certifications given to Technological Universities.
The two TUS award-winning facilities are based on the Athlone campus and are dedicated to polymer research: the PRISM (Polymer, Recycling, Industrial, Sustainability and Manufacturing) Chemistry Lab and the Applied Polymer Technology (APT) Processing Facility, which was officially launched in September 2024.
The APT Processing Facility received the highest recognition—Green-Level Certified Lab—while the Chemistry Lab earned a prestigious Platinum-Level certificate. Both were recognised “for outstanding work in reducing the environmental impact of their laboratory space”.
Dr Liam Brown · Vice-President Research, Development and Innovation, TUS, said: “At TUS, our mission is to drive innovation that not only advances science and technology, but also addresses the pressing challenges of our time—chief among them, environmental sustainability. These certifications reflect our deep commitment to embedding sustainable practices across all facets of our research. By integrating eco-conscious approaches into how we conduct our work, we’re not only shaping a greener research culture but also preparing our students and researchers to lead responsibly in industry and society. Congratulations to Dr Declan Devine and the wider PRISM and APT teams in achieving these awards.”
Making the announcement, Minister Lawless said “Research involves more than exploration and discovery; it also demands attention to how we conduct our work and the impact it has on our communities and our planet. Research carries with it a responsibility to operate with integrity, to use resources wisely and to ensure our pursuit of knowledge does not come at an unsustainable cost to the world around us.
“I warmly congratulate all the laboratory teams recognised today for their commitment to greener practices. This initiative, led by Research Ireland, marks a significant and encouraging step in placing sustainability at the centre of our national research system and signals Ireland’s intent to lead by example on climate-conscious innovation.”
The Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme—launched in October 2023—is a joint effort between Research Ireland, Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab. The programme made Research Ireland the first national research funding body in the world to lead a lab sustainability certification process.
Dr Declan Devine, Director of the PRISM Research Institute, which houses APT, and lead applicant for both TUS entries, welcomed the recognition:
“Sustainability is a key focus of our polymer research initiatives at TUS. We strive to embody sustainability not just in our outputs, but in how we conduct our work. This was a fantastic team effort by everyone involved in PRISM/APT, and we’re proud that our research is helping reduce the environmental impact of polymers while maintaining their vital roles in biomedical, packaging and green tech sectors.”
An independent evaluation of the pilot programme was commissioned at the end of 2024 to assess its impact and guide future development. The evaluation confirmed the programme’s effectiveness and offered actionable steps for participants and stakeholders.
Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO at Research Ireland and the agency’s Climate Champion, commented: “Research Ireland wishes to congratulate and thank all those involved in the pilot. Not only have participants changed their research practices for the better, but, in turn, they have helped to shape Research Ireland’s approach going forward. The independent evaluation endorsed the pilot and has set out clear recommendations for next steps. Research Ireland will continue to work closely with the research community nationally and internationally as we expand our climate action activities.”
James Connolly, CEO, My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, stated: “At My Green Lab, our mission is to foster a global culture of sustainability within the scientific community, transforming our industry into a world leader in environmental stewardship. Since the first laboratory at the CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices achieved certification in 2019, Ireland has demonstrated exceptional commitment to this mission — now ranking second globally for the number of laboratories enrolled in the My Green Lab Certification Programme. This report reaffirms what we have long known: Irish academia continues to set a powerful example of what is possible when sustainability is prioritised in research and innovation. Everyone involved in this pilot project should be immensely proud of their achievements and the positive impact they have made within their institutions and beyond.”