RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

Efficiency in the use of resources, boosting the circular economy and the promotion of responsible purchasing and sourcing

Promotion of green purchasing and responsible sourcing

We work to adapt and improve purchases and contracts taking into account sustainability criteria.

Related actions:

  • The selection of products or services that possess ecolabels or other sustainability criteria.
  • Incorporate new clauses and requirements into tenders that favour green purchasing and socially responsible sourcing.
  • Training PCB staff involved in purchasing processes in sustainable tendering based on the models and standards currently promoted by the public administrations.
Savings and efficiency in the use of natural resources

Continuous improvement of operational processes and the identification of improvements that result in  greater control and a reduction in the use of resources (electricity, water and natural gas).

Related actions:

  • Optimise energy consumption by analysing the data of internal metres.
  • Improvements to buildings and facilities to save on air conditioning; the implementation of energy-efficient lighting and smart detection systems, among others.
  • The renewal of large scientific equipment with a view to achieving maximum energy efficiency and low consumption.
  • Assess the possibility of conducting an energy and water audit to identify opportunities for improvement.
Promoting the circular economy

Continuation of the initiatives aimed at giving a second lease of life to used materials and reducing the use of raw materials.

Related actions:

  • Donation to third parties of furniture in good condition or scientific equipment in need of replacement in order to give them a new lease of life and prevent them from becoming waste.
  • Taking advantage of materials that can be reused, such as cold accumulators.
Waste Management

Prevent waste production and ensure correct sorting practices to facilitate its subsequent recycling.

Related actions:

  • Promoting the use of digital tools to reduce paper consumption.
  • Salvaging recyclable materials: High-density polyethylene tops and boxes or disused furniture, among others.
  • Collaboration with the cafeteria to find solutions that enable waste reduction.
  • Energy-saving measures:
    • Architectural solutions to reduce heat dispersion: installation of automatic doors at different points in the centre.
    • Installation of LED system to light new laboratory spaces and progressive replacement of fluorescent lighting in common areas and offices.
      • Area 2021 7.448,57  sqm
      • Area 2022 1.480,42 sqm
      • Area 2024:  3.556 sqm
  • Water-saving actions:
    • Eco-friendly taps in WCs with aerators and timers.
    • Gardens with vegetation with low water demand.
    • Recycling system for the use of wastewater from the deionised water production plant in the Cluster II building.
  • Fostering the circular economy and waste prevention:
    • Elimination of plastic bottles and cups from meeting rooms.
    • Elimination of individual litter bins to make separating waste for recycling easier.
    • Partial replacement of capsule coffee machines with non-capsule ones.
    • Donations of furniture in good condition.
    • Donations of scientific equipment.
    • Return of cold storage blocks to the frozen sample transport circuit.
    • High-density polyethylene (lids and boxes).
    • Collection of obsolete mobile phones for recovery of valuable metals and materials.

Sustainability notes