FSBI Sustainability Statement

The FSBI is passionate about minimising its environmental impact and promoting practices that increase sustainability and environmental stewardship among its members and the broader community.

For most of the year, the FSBI has a relatively small environmental footprint. We do not have our own office; volunteers (councillors and guest of council) usually work from home or at another institution. 

We have made concerted efforts to reduce travel requirements for Council members, moving most meetings online only and – since 2025 – reducing the number of in-person Council meetings to two per year, each with the option of attending virtually.

FSBI Symposia

The annual Symposia is where the FSBI has the greatest potential to have a negative environmental impact, resulting primarily from material waste (e.g. printed materials, promotional items, signage, leftover food) and carbon emissions from travel and venues.

FSBI Sustainability Officer

To minimise these impacts, the Council created a new position in 2024 known as the “FSBI Sustainability Officer”. This position helps to explore and advise Council and symposium convenors on ways to reduce their environmental impacts, provided additional funds to convenors to initiate sustainable practices such as hybrid meetings which reduce travel and increase accessibility.

FSBI Green Travel Awards

The FSBI implemented The Green Travel Award which is awarded to participants that got to and from meetings using the lowest carbon travel options. 

The Green Guidelines

For future FSBI events we have created a set of green guidelines that we request convenors to adhere to. Please find these guidelines here.

Sustainability in FSBI Finances

The FSBI’s main source of income is the “Journal of Fish Biology”, which has moved to online only since 2024. The journal is published by Wiley, who is deeply committed to reducing its environmental footprint, powering all of its locations using 100% renewable energy through green tariffs and certified energy attribute certificates (Wiley ESG policy). The FSBI have also actively divested their investment portfolio from companies and funds associated with fossil fuels, mining, military, and tobacco. We actively invest in a Climate Action portfolio.

The FSBI as an Environmental Advocate

The FSBI recognises the value of raising awareness around environmental issues among its members and the broader community. At the FSBI 2023 conference attendees made a short film called “Reasons for Optimism” focused on climate change issues (www.tinyurl.com/FishyOptimism) and many of the FSBI outreach events focus on reducing environmental impact.

For our members working in laboratories, there are a number of initiatives focusing on energy conservation. For example, operating freezers at -70°C instead of -80°C can cut energy use by 30–40%. Consider using low-flow or variable air volume fume hoods and ensuring they are closed when not in use ("Shut the Sash" campaigns). Choose energy efficient equipment and power them down when not in use. Consider timers or motion sensors for turning lights on/off.

Plastic and chemical waste is also a huge issue. Consider carrying out smaller or microscale experiments to reduce hazardous waste. There are also an increasing number of options to recycle paper, plastics and solvents.

Find a Green Lab network

Consider joining a programme or getting your lab a green accreditation:

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