The Environmental Footprint of Scientific Research: Proposals and Actions to Increase Sustainability and Traceability

Margherita Palmieri, Bruno Lasserre, Davide Marino, Luca Quaranta, Maxence Raffi and Giancarlo Ranalli ()
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Margherita Palmieri: Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone snc, 86090 Pesche, Italy
Bruno Lasserre: Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone snc, 86090 Pesche, Italy
Davide Marino: Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone snc, 86090 Pesche, Italy
Luca Quaranta: Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone snc, 86090 Pesche, Italy
Maxence Raffi: Sustainability Strategy Senior Consultant, 14 Rue du Grenier, Saint Lazare, 75003 Paris, France
Giancarlo Ranalli: Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone snc, 86090 Pesche, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: In their work, scientists are responsible for stating a purpose, defining experimental conditions, producing data, describing and analyzing these data by statistical means, arguing by comparison with the literature, and drawing conclusions. When a manuscript is submitted for publication, no assessment of the direct and indirect environmental impacts of producing the work is reported. In this context, the aim of our study is to suggest schematic methods to assess, reduce, and mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by three different papers (two scientific articles and a conference proceeding) previously published by the same authors. The results reported here show proposals and actions to contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts: a preliminary assessment of the inputs and outputs was initially converted into CO 2 equivalents (CO 2 eq.) and, subsequently, into partial mitigation action through the allocation of the planting of additional plants. Furthermore, real traceability and an opportunity to verify the close connection between initial works (papers and conference book) causing the environmental impact and new green life are suggested. Finally, we propose a new label ( S-Paper to T-Plant ) for eco-friendly guidelines.

Keywords: environmental footprint; scientific research; CO 2 equivalent; mitigate impact; social costs of carbon; traceability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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