QEII’s anatomical pathology team earns top environmental certification

The anatomical pathology team at the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s Mackenzie lab building is setting a new standard - not just in diagnostic excellence, but in environmental leadership. This dedicated group has earned the Green Level Green Lab Certification from My Green Lab, the highest level awarded for sustainable laboratory practices. 

The certification was driven by a passionate and multidisciplinary group, including Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys, a Dalhousie University nephropathologist professor; Dr. Gillian Bethune, a pathologist and associate professor, quality technical specialist; Maxine Adams-Small and historical supervisor Syndy Leblanc championed the effort to secure certification.

Their day-to-day work includes diagnosing complex tissue samples and maintaining lab operations, but sustainability is always top of mind. “I mainly review medical renal biopsies and gynecological pathology cases,” Laurette says. “But I also focus on planetary health, including green healthcare, particularly in the lab.”

Syndy adds, “I oversee operations and always look for ways to improve our systems, especially where they intersect with sustainability.”

My Green Lab is a non-profit organization supporting labs, such as industrial and academic types, to reduce their environmental impacts. With support from the Dalhousie Office of Sustainability and funding from CASCADES, the anatomical pathology team spent a year making improvements in areas such as cold storage efficiency and waste reduction strategies. Thanks to these efforts, they received green level certification, a distinction held by few clinical labs in Canada. “This certification is an objective demonstration of the significant improvements we’ve made,” Laurette says. 

Sustainability isn’t a one-time effort. The team embeds green practices into lab policies and procedures and continues to educate staff to ensure long-term change.

“The environmental crisis is a health crisis. Healthcare contributes nearly five per cent to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions,” Laurette says. “Reducing our impact improves both environmental and human health.” 

For those considering engaging in green healthcare, Laurette offers encouragement. “It’s enormously rewarding. There are so many resources and supportive people out there.”

Syndy agrees, “It feels good to be part of something that helps protect our environment for future generations.”

Congratulations to the anatomical pathology team for their leadership in both healthcare and sustainability. Their work proves clinical excellence and environmental responsibility can thrive together.

Photo of (L-R) Maxine Adams-Small, Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys, Dr. Gillian Bethune and Syndy Leblanc.