A spotlight on..
sustainability
The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) combines excellent cancer research with a strong commitment to sustainability and climate protection. We promote environmentally friendly practices, sustainable construction, and social responsibility to fulfill our mission for a life without cancer in a responsible way. With ambitious goals, such as achieving climate neutrality by 2035, and an active sustainability group, we drive initiatives in infrastructure, research, and mobility.
Sustainability Mission Statement
The German Cancer Research Center is committed to conducting groundbreaking cancer research at the highest international level. Our work aims to save lives and improve the wellbeing of those affected by cancer. We strive to provide our employees with an environmentally sound and socially just workplace while practicing outstanding research in a responsible, sustainable, and climate-friendly manner.
Sustainability at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
The DKFZ recognizes the importance of sustainability and the urgency of climate action in today's world. As the largest biomedical research institute in Germany and a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, the DKFZ is committed to excellence in research and to conducting research in a sustainable manner. We believe that groundbreaking research in cancer that saves lives and improves well-being should not at the same time contribute to societal harm and environmental degradation. To conduct research in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, the DKFZ is developing a sustainability strategy in line with science-based targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including goals in the areas of organizational development, research, human resources, construction and infrastructure, procurement, and mobility management. The strategy is based on the guide Sustainability Management in Non-University Research Organizations
Cancer and Climate Change
The links between cancer and climate change are clear. Air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, disruptions in food and water supply, exposure to industrial toxicants, and possibly infectious causes will affect cancer research and control (Hiatt & Beyeler, 2020).
At the DKFZ, we see climate action as our moral responsibility and aligned with our mission for a life without cancer. Therefore, we strive to take actions to mitigate climate change in the execution of our research. The co-benefits that climate action offers are necessary to achieve a world without cancer.
Climate Neutrality
The German government has set the goal to reach climate neutrality by 2045. Considering the special responsibility and exemplary role of science institutions, the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany, whose members include the Helmholtz Association and thus also the DKFZ, has set the goal to achieve climate neutrality in its working methods and research processes by 2035 at the latest.
Sustainability at HI-TRON Mainz
As part of the DKFZ, we at HI-TRON therefore take our responsibility just as seriously and we strive for a conscious sustainability management.
Scientific institutes contribute to a large amount of plastic waste through disposable plastic products, e.g. due to the need for sterile work, and have a high energy consumption.
By participating in the LEAF program, our labs are reducing their carbon emissions and creating an environment that supports quality research. We have worked hard to restructure our laboratories and working methods and can now proudly announce that we have received the LEAF Bronze Award.
