Cath Davies is making a difference

27 Feb 2014

I am a Green Impact pioneer in our labs

I am a Senior Analytical Research Technician in Geochemistry and manage numerous laboratories including a suite of clean rooms at the University. I have introduced a number of sustainable best practices in our labs, saving energy, resources and money by reducing our green impact.

I am also a member of the Sustainable Labs Group who focus on laboratory sustainability issues, driving and promoting best practice for the operation of successful sustainable and energy efficient labs across the campus. We have created a sash closing culture and ensure that fume cupboards are maintained and we are using a microwave oven rather than hot plates to digest samples, rinsing with deionised rather than distilled water, and replacing older light fixtures with 12W high efficiency bulbs controlled by microwave sensors.

I was recently named an Environmental Hero and highly commended in the NUS’s Green Impact Universities and Colleges Special Awards 2013 for work with four laboratories in Williamson Building.

More information

If you want to make a difference and support our social responsibility agenda at the University, please visit:

• Social Responsibility

Or if you would like to share your story you can add it to:

• Making a difference blog