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"Greening of Regulated Analytical chemistry Methods using the existing regulated State Laboratory" - GRAMS

A groundbreaking initiative to align regulatory analytical chemistry to sustainable practices has been launched in partnership with the State Laboratory. The GRAMS (Green Regulatory Analytical Methods for Sustainability) project represents a major step forward in aligning chemical testing methods with environmental sustainability goals.

Addressing a critical need in regulatory science, the project aims to transform traditional analytical chemistry methods to embrace green chemistry principles. By focusing on safer solvents, sustainable procurement, waste reduction, energy-efficient instrumentation, and miniaturized analytical techniques, GRAMS aims to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of regulatory laboratory operations.

"GRAMS builds upon the 12 principles of green chemistry, specifically adapted for analytical methods," said Dr Patrice Behan, Head of Postgraduate Education in the School of Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences, TU Dublin.

The project encompasses three key work streams:

Research and Review: A comprehensive analysis of global research on the environmental impacts of chemical analysis will establish the scientific foundation for sustainable laboratory practices.

Method Redesign: ISO 17025-accredited analytical methods will be systematically redesigned to incorporate green chemistry principles while maintaining rigorous performance standards.

Environmental Assessment: A detailed evaluation of the State Laboratory's regulatory testing footprint will identify opportunities for improvement and generate valuable data applicable across national and EU regulatory frameworks.

In conjunction with the State Laboratory, GRAMS will validate greener analytical methods against exacting regulatory standards and seek independent accreditation to demonstrate their reliability and compliance readiness.

The project will also develop practical implementation guidelines, including lifecycle assessment frameworks, to support other laboratories in adopting sustainable practices.

GRAMS is committed to driving sector-wide transformation through knowledge sharing and capacity building. The project will engage with leading networks including EURACHEM, Eurolab, Irish Green Labs, and the Public Sector Laboratory Group to promote awareness and facilitate the widespread adoption of green analytical practices.

Dr Behan, expressed her excitement at the start of the project, saying: “This project represents a pivotal step in demonstrating that high‑quality regulatory analytical chemistry analysis and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. By modernising our methods and sharing a clear framework for greener practices, we aim to support regulatory laboratories across Ireland and Europe in reducing their environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of analytical excellence.”