Committed to the environment At VHIR, we work to integrate environmental sustainability into all areas of our activity. We want our environmental commitment to be a driver of change and transformation: integrating sustainability into all scientific and institutional activity, minimizing the ecological impact of our operations, and leading a model of research that is responsible toward people, the environment, and society. Our ambition is to become a leading reference in sustainability within the biomedical research sector. Values: Ethics and environmental responsibility We are an institution committed to society. Ethics, integrity, commitment, and transparency are the foundation of our actions, with the aim of ensuring that our research is environmentally responsible. Values: Leadership and sustainable transformation We are committed to leading environmental awareness and promoting sustainability within the research system, advancing projects and practices that integrate climate justice and an ecosocial perspective as drivers of transformation. Values: Collaboration and environmental inclusion We believe in a shared responsibility towards sustainability, actively engaging the entire VHIR community, as well as our partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, to jointly build an environmentally responsible model. Values: Efficiency and continuous improvement We use resources in an efficient and responsible manner, promoting responsible waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovation, with the aim of continuously improving our environmental footprint. < > Environmental policy The Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) is firmly committed to protecting the environment and actively contributing to sustainability by integrating environmental criteria into our activities supporting research, innovation, and biomedical education. This policy provides a reference framework for setting objectives and concrete actions, enabling progress toward a more environmentally responsible institution that is resilient in the face of climate change challenges. See more Environmental Committee The Environmental Committee’s mission is to promote and coordinate all initiatives related to environmental preservation and sustainable resource management, as well as to implement necessary actions to minimize our impact on climate change. The Committee works to make sustainability a core value across all institutional activities. It drives projects to protect the environment, encourages responsible resource use, and promotes research committed to the planet. Its objective is to advance toward a more environmentally respectful model and contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone. The current composition includes 15 volunteer members occupying various positions within the institution, from research and support staff to administrative personnel. To achieve its objectives, the Committee is organized into four working groups, allowing for more specialized management and the effective addressing of key areas in sustainability. Waste management Improve the management, segregation, and collection of waste, adapting it to the different spaces and activities within the institution. Reduce waste generation through prevention actions, reuse, and best practices in procurement and daily activities. Resource consumption Promote the responsible and efficient use of resources and equipment, encouraging sustainable habits among staff. Identify, implement, and highlight improvements that reduce consumption and environmental impact, both in daily operations and in procurement and infrastructure. Promotion of biodiversity Foster biodiversity in the institution’s surroundings through concrete actions to improve natural spaces. Inform and raise awareness about the benefits of urban biodiversity, bringing nature closer to the daily life of staff. Training, communication and awareness Provide sustainability training to strengthen commitment and promote good environmental practices among all VHIR groups. Foster an environmental culture and increase the visibility of initiatives undertaken to reinforce collective commitment and awareness in sustainability. Actions and initiatives To advance toward a more sustainable operating model that reflects our values of environmental respect and continuous improvement, we promote an organizational culture committed to reducing environmental impact, using resources efficiently, and fostering environmental responsibility. Through various initiatives and actions, we work to put these commitments into practice. Currently, the following initiatives are underway: LEED Gold Certification for the construction of VHIR’s new Central Building: certifies that the VHIR Building meets high standards of sustainability, energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, promoting green building practices. VHIR Central Building with Energy Rating A: ensures a high level of energy efficiency and environmental comfort thanks to sustainable design and the installation of 318 solar panels. VHIR Environmental Committee: coordinates environmental initiatives across the institute. Freezer Challenge – My Green Lab: an international competition promoted by the Green Lab organization aimed at reducing the environmental impact of cold storage. Promotion of digitalization and reduction of paper consumption across the institution. Implementation of internal projects aimed at raising awareness and optimizing operational processes to reduce environmental impact, specifically regarding material consumption and waste generation. Implementation of selective waste collection points for efficient waste management.
