The IBE sustainability committee was formally created in 2022 to promote sustainability in Research, and since 2025 it has been recognized as an official Sustainability Committee from CSIC. It is currently integrated by Judit Salces, Victoria Shabardina and Macarena Toll Riera.

 

The IBE sustainability committee actively collaborates with three working groups:

  • The “PRBB sustainability group”. Members: Judit Salces, Victoria Shabardina and Macarena Toll Riera
  • The CMIMA building sustainability group together with the ICM (Institute of Marine Sciences). Members: Judit Salces, Macarena Toll Riera
  • Grass Roots Sustainable initiatives, a joint initiative for PRBB members that work for a more sustainable environment within the PRBB. Member: Victoria Shabardina

The group has achieved several implementations to improve IBE's sustainability:

  • The temperature of all common ULT freezers in the CMIMA building has been modified from -80ºC to -70ºC, achieving a significant reduction of IBE’s carbon footprint and energy consumption.
  • Implementing a Guide for Sustainable Caterings. Find it here.
  • The committee has also reached an agreement with three local restaurants for the clients to bring their cups and Tupperware to take away orders. At Beltran, Delicamon, and La Guingueta you are encouraged to bring your food supplies for the takeaway orders and reduce waste.
  • Sustainable options in the CMIMA building vending machines of the building to increase the availability and variety of sustainable, vegan, and healthy products.
  • Coffee machines with an ‘Own-Cup’ and wood stirring stick removal option, an initiative to reduce daily waste at the institute. Additionally, the coffee machines now offer the option to select organic coffee.
  • Together with the ICM, we arranged two bicycles for monthly loan and one bicycle with a basket that can be used for a few hours during working hours. Here you can Check the loan policy and instructions.
  • A bicycle self-repair station has been set up, equipped with a tyre air pump, screwdrivers, pliers, and other tools, and is available to all members of the IBE community.
  • Together with the ICM, we organize a monthly basket of fresh, local organic fruit to promote healthy habits
  • We organized two workshops (“Repair your UPS” and ”Repair your bike”) for the 2025 European Week for Waste Reduction.
  • We organized a Green Santa Campaign to find a new home for unused objects.
  • Together with the grassroots group, we maintain the LabShare Telegram chat to facilitate research exchange and reduce wasteful research practices. Join Link: https://t.me/+-hei-L6eqOcwZDky.

Looking ahead, the committee has also set several goals for the coming years:

  • Improve the microclimate environment for people and urban ecology by increasing the number of plants in the interior courtyards  of the PRBB/CMIMA buildings.
  • Install systems to reduce water usage in all toilets throughout the building.
  • Join GreenDisk and LEAF initiatives.

The Committee is always looking for new members, so feel welcome to contact us at the following email address [email protected] or speak with us in person. The committee also encourages the participation of IBE members at the Grass Roots sustainability group.

 

Bicycles On Monthly Loan

Here you can find some bicycles on monthly loan.
Check the loan policy and instructions