Sustainability is at the core of ICIQ’s values. As scientists, we believe chemistry holds the key for a brighter future for all and so, the institute is fully committed to doing research in sustainability: be this through new catalytic strategies or by developing new renewable energy resources. But we can’t only do research in sustainability, we must do sustainable research.

In order to undertake our activities in a sustainable manner, ICIQ has created an Environmental Policy. This document is publicly available.

This policy shows the institute’s commitment to improving the environment and preserving natural resources through efficient and responsible practices. It is everybody’s responsibility to take care of the environment and each and every one of us should ensure the appropriate use of resources, minimize the production of waste and facilitate its recycling or recovery.

To this end, the institute has created a working group that will spearhead the efforts to become a greener workplace. The working group has blended together all the ideas presented by the ICIQ community and clustered all the actions proposed into several areas that will be tackled by designed groups of volunteers. Among many other tasks, the Green ICIQ Action Plan intends to: analyse the water and electricity used by the institute to reduce their consumption; create a figure within each research group that helps reduce the environmental impact of our research; stimulate ICIQers to take on a healthier lifestyle, for instance by encouraging the consumption of more fruits and vegetables by having healthier snacks on the vending machines or promoting the use of environmentally friendly ways (walking, bicycle or public transport) of getting to the institute.

The Green ICIQ working group is also part of the BIST sustainability working group, which aims to join forces and coordinate efforts regarding sustainable workplace practices within the BIST community.