Lab Sustainability in Funding Requirements
Laboratories are high-impact environments, and funding bodies are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable research practices. From reducing energy use to reusing equipment and minimising waste, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s becoming a requirement.
In 2025, the University of Exeter signed the Concordat for Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, co-developed by over 25 organisations including UKRI, Wellcome, and Cancer Research UK. This Concordat sets a shared vision for embedding sustainability into research and innovation, and many funders now align their policies with its principles.
Funding bodies are now setting clear expectations for sustainability in research proposals including sustainable research design, ethical and environmental impacts, green accreditations and more.
Current Funder Requirements
Some funders have introduced specific requirements:
- Wellcome Trust: Bronze accreditation by the end of 2025, (expected Silver by the end of 2026)
- Cancer Research UK: Silver accreditation
- UKRI: Encourages alignment with its Environmental Sustainability Strategy
Before submitting a proposal, check if your funder is a signatory to the Concordat and review the environmental policies linked below.
Read the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice
For guidance on funding sustainable research, keep in touch with us with the below channels.
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