CO₂FE: A Novel Metric for the Carbon Footprint Efficiency of Standard Laboratory Chemicals in Life Science Research

Industrial activities and the transportation sector are widely recognized as two of the main contributors to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Nevertheless, research laboratories likewise consume significant quantities of energy and consumables, resulting in a substantial environmental impact. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies of individual reagents and openly accessible databases make it possible to quantify the carbon footprint of compounds and processes. These data allow researchers to compare alternatives and deliberately choose chemicals with a smaller carbon footprint, promoting more sustainable experimental practices. As LCA is often time-consuming and data-intensive, a simpler parameter is required. The novel parameter CO2 footprint efficiency (CO2FE) allows for a deliberate, greener choice to minimize emissions without compromising experimental performance. The proposed method comprises four steps. First, alternative reagents are identified from the literature, protocols or lab experience. Second, if possible, each option is assessed using data that account for material, production and life-cycle. Third, the most promising candidates are experimentally validated to ensure that sustainability gains do not compromise yield, activity, or reproducibility. Finally, the CO2FE is calculated to quantify carbon-efficiency. A lower CO2FE indicates a greener experiment. By iterating this workflow, researchers can systematically choose chemicals that reduce the overall carbon footprint without sacrificing scientific quality.