GSK, University of Nottingham to establish centre for sustainable chemistry

Sir Andrew Witty, CEO, GSK.

MUMBAI, INDIA/NOTTINGHAM, UK: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the University of Nottingham formalised a collaboration to establish a new laboratory to accommodate the Centre of Excellence for sustainable chemistry and to construct an innovative carbon neutral sustainable chemistry laboratory. This agreement represents progress on GSK’s ‘green chemistry’ commitment announced in 2010. The centre will deliver advanced undergraduate teaching and outreach to the wider scientific community to embed sustainable chemistry.

The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry will be based on the University’s Jubilee Campus and its construction is being supported by a £12 million grant from GSK. The laboratory will be built from natural materials and energy required to run the laboratory will be met by renewable sources such as solar power and sustainable biofuel. Excess energy created by the building will provide enough carbon credits over 25 years to pay back the carbon used in its construction.

“The carbon neutral laboratory will help affirm the UK as a global hub for the future of the life-sciences industry. Our vision is that the science researched within the laboratory will be as iconic as the building itself. This is an opportunity to invest further in science in the UK, re-think how we approach the drug discovery process and play a role in contributing to environmental stewardship,” said Sir Andrew Witty, CEO, GSK.

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