From concern to a clear plan
Turning awareness into action
Dr Debbie Wilkinson, who manages the Microscopy and Histology Core Facility at the University of Aberdeen, first became aware of the upcoming mercury restrictions around 2022.
At the time, the options were not immediately obvious. Stockpiling mercury bulbs was discussed, but as Debbie explains in the full case study, it did not feel like a sustainable long-term answer.
And that is really the point. For many facilities, the challenge is not simply knowing that mercury lamps are being phased out. It is knowing how to turn that knowledge into a practical plan without disrupting users, draining budgets or creating a last-minute scramble.
“Stockpiling mercury bulbs was discussed, but it never felt like a sustainable approach.”
Dr Debbie Wilkinson, University of Aberdeen Microscopy and Histology Core Facility
Building the case
Making LED illumination a practical priority
In 2025, Debbie came across CoolLED resources that helped bring the key arguments together, including cost, health and safety, and sustainability.
From there, the issue was raised with the Technical Resource Manager, who also co-chairs the Lab Sustainability Group. A case was then made to the School, highlighting both the health and safety benefits and the sustainability implications of moving away from mercury-based illumination.
Distributor support
Support from Scientifica
Scientifica supported the process by helping the facility assess its existing microscopes, identify compatible LED light sources and highlight where upgrades would be straightforward or need further consideration.
That practical support mattered. For busy facilities, the transition away from mercury is not just about choosing a light source. It is about understanding compatibility, installation, costs, demos, timing and how to keep everything running smoothly for users.
The outcome
What was installed?
By June 2026, two CoolLED pE-300lite Illumination Systems and one pE-400 were installed across three microscopes. The facility is now fully operating with mercury-free illumination, eliminating mercury-containing consumables and reducing hazardous waste in support of the University’s sustainability objectives.
Key lessons
What can other facilities learn?
The Aberdeen experience shows that facilities do not need to wait until mercury bulbs become difficult to source before taking action. The strongest business case usually comes down to three areas:
Cost
Mercury and metal halide systems can cost thousands more to run over time, once replacement bulbs, engineer visits, downtime, staff time and disruption are taken into account.
Health and safety
Moving away from mercury helps reduce staff exposure, simplify handling and disposal, and ease the administrative burden of managing hazardous consumables safely.
Sustainability
Mercury-free LED illumination can help facilities reduce hazardous waste, lower energy use and support wider institutional sustainability goals with a more future-ready approach.
