GreenLabs Portugal: promoting sustainable practices in Portuguese research institutions

Abstract

Greenlabs Portugal is a network of Portuguese grassroot green teams of scientist and staff of research institutes that advocate for sustainable research practices to reduce environmental impact of research in Portugal. Our mission is to promote and support the implementation of green lab initiatives in Portugal and to foster collaborations, aiming to drive changes in Portuguese research community towards more environmentally aware and sustainable research practices. The Greenlabs Portugal platform was established in 2021 and steadily expanded since, currently connecting 11 research institutions across the country. As a network, we promote the exchange of knowledge and resources between members; organize and host meetings to share news, resources, and practices; assist in the creating of new green teams; promote common actions; connect Greenlabs to other European green teams and international networks. We expect to decrease the environmental impact of research by educating and providing tools to the scientist, so they can render their research more environmentally friendly without compromising research quality.