Marine Institute long-term ecological research facility in Newport achieves top sustainability certification

The Marine Institute’s Long-term Ecological Research Facility in Furnace, Newport, Co. Mayo has been awarded the highest level (Green) of the internationally recognised My Green Lab® (MGL) Certification, marking a major milestone in the Institute’s commitment to sustainable science.

The Newport campus includes a laboratory and administration block, freshwater hatchery, fish-rearing facilities, fish census trapping stations and a fully monitored freshwater lake and river catchment. The Green certification reflects strong environmental performance across all of these operations, from laboratory work to field-based monitoring.

The facility has improved its sustainability performance over the last two years, progressing from Platinum certification in 2023 to Green level in 2025, following targeted enhancements in operational practices, policies and procedures, and increased staff engagement in sustainability initiatives.

This achievement demonstrates that sustainability gains are not limited to highly technical or chemistry-focused laboratories. At a field-based research facility like Newport, improvements in energy efficiency, waste management, freezer management and water conservation all contribute to reducing environmental impact.

“This certification is a real testament to the collective effort and dedication of staff across the site,” said Toni Hollowell, Facilities Manager at the Marine Institute. “It shows how much progress can be made when sustainability is built into everyday decisions and operations, and I’m incredibly proud of the team’s commitment to continuous improvement.”

My Green Lab is a global non-profit organisation and a recognised leader in the green laboratory certification. It focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of laboratories across 14 core categories from energy to engagement, combining organisational initiatives with behaviour-change programmes that empower scientists and technical staff to adopt more sustainable practices.
Green certification delivers multiple benefits, including reduced environmental impact, financial savings, enhanced organisational reputation, stronger innovation culture, and increased staff engagement in sustainability goals.

The accreditation of My Green Lab certification advances the Institute’s aim to reduce resource use in all areas across the organisation, as outlined in the Marine Institute’s 2025 Climate Action Roadmap.