A vibrant Earth Day event and a refreshed identity for the Institute's Sustainability Team highlights an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship
SOURCE: The Institute
May 2, 2025
On Earth Day 2025, The Institute community came together for a celebration that blended education, community spirit and a shared pledge to care for the environment. Hosted in the Atrium of the Glen site by The Institute's Sustainability Team, the afternoon welcomed staff, researchers and visitors for a dynamic mix of themed booths, games, and meaningful conversations about the collective role we play in protecting our planet.
Eight interactive booths highlighted a range of environmental topics relevant to research—from energy-efficiency to waste reduction strategies—inviting participants to explore practical, everyday solutions. A lively treasure hunt led attendees through the exhibits in search of clues, with eco-friendly prizes awaiting those who completed the challenge.
The Green Ambassadors of the Sustainability Team hosted a game developed by Séverine Audusseau from the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases (RESP) Program. Participants were challenged to test their knowledge of recyclable lab equipment—a playful and educational way to raise awareness about proper lab waste management.
Phoenix Impact, a recovery and reconditioning service for single-use plastic lab consumables, introduced attendees to the principles of a circular economy.
The Biomedical Engineering and Equipment Planning team shared tips on reducing energy use by promoting best practices for biosafety cabinets—simple, everyday habits that can have a big impact when equipment is not actively in use.
The Building Operations and Maintenance team highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce purified water waste at the Montreal General Hospital, offering a behind-the-scenes look at sustainability in hospital infrastructure.
The McGill Office of Sustainability presented eight flagship actions designed to help researchers minimize the environmental impact of lab work—practical steps that emphasize energy efficiency and better materials management.
The People and Culture and Environmental Health and Safety teams invited visitors to explore broader sustainability topics, including renewable energy and Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship.
The McGillXR (Virtual Reality) booth immersed participants in a virtual experience demonstrating the impact of plastic waste on marine life and ecosystems—an innovative way to connect science and empathy.
Jugo Juice provided green smoothies and snacks while also sharing their efforts to reduce waste and adopt more sustainable practices in the food service industry.
INPACT: A new name for a renewed commitment
One highlight of the event was the introduction of a new name and visual identity for The Institute's Sustainability Team: INPACT. The refreshed image reflects the team's ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices across The Institute. INPACT stands for intention, action, and partnership in support of a healthier planet—values that align directly with The Institute's Vision 2030.
Ourania Tsatas and Tania Estephan have co-led The Institute's sustainability initiatives since March 2023. "As co-leads of INPACT, we believe the name reflects the power of collective action," said Ourania Tsatas, who is Project Coordinator within the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program and part-time Project Coordinator in Technical Services at The Institute. "It's a pact with our environment and with each other—to lead by example and to create lasting, systemic change in how we work and live," added Tania Estephan, Project Coordinator in Technical Services.
That PACT is already being put into action through a series of initiatives that have gained momentum over the past two years, including:
✓ An all-sites annual laboratory spring clean-up effort
✓ Participation in the annual International Freezer Challenge
✓ An updated lab coat management protocol
✓ A successful pilot project to collect and recycle non-biohazardous materials—such as laboratory plastics, nitrile gloves and glass—that has now been expanded across all eight research programs at both the Glen site and the Montreal General Hospital
"We can be proud of the growing number of sustainability initiatives at The Institute, which aim to use energy more efficiently and manage our resources more sustainably," said Rami Tohme, Director of Technical Services. "While we can celebrate our progress, we recognize that there still is much more to be done."
This year's Earth Day at The Institute was not just a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of purpose. With INPACT leading the charge, The Institute is building a more sustainable future, one action, one lab, and one team at a time.
To learn more about our sustainability initiatives or to become a Green Ambassador, contact INPACT at ri.sustain@muhc.mcgill.ca.
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