Sustainability in Laboratories

LEAF: Laboratory Efficiency Accreditation Framework

While Laboratory-based research is acknowledged as necessary to advance society it is also extremely energy and resource intensive.

85 Global institutions have already signed up to work towards a set of standards which will contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of laboratories, reduce carbon emissions and work towards reducing the cost of research.

The University signed up to this framework and is in the process of establishing the hierarchy for the administration of the framework.

What is LEAF?

LEAF was an initiative started by the sustainability team at UCL with the aims of reducing the environmental impact of research activities.

Estimations are that laboratories use 3-10 times more energy/m2 than a typical office and are responsible for around 2% of global plastic waste.

By joining the LEAF programme, laboratories work towards accreditation at bronze, silver or gold level by reducing their carbon emissions. The level achieved depends on how many sustainability actions are taken.

Elements of the LEAF programme:

The Framework: An online tool that guides users through sustainability actions to save plastics, water, energy and other resources in laboratories.
Online calculators: To help measure financial and carbon impact. It is possible to estimate how sustainable laboratories are at the start and to track improvements and progress.
Toolkit and Resources: From guides to sustainable lab equipment and consumables to induction and exit procedures.
User Engagement & Training: Each institution is offered a tailored workshop to engage laboratory staff and students on sustainable science, and to introduce LEAF.

LEAF Pilot Study:

Involved 2 year study with 23 other universities and research institutes from 2018-2020.

An image showing some general information about the Leaf pilot programme such as 235 Lab groups took part; £3700 average annual saving reported by Lab group; £641k total reported savings; 648t CO2e total carbon avoided (equivalent to 140 passenger vehicles off the road in a year); 99% of those surveyed said they would use LEAF again.

LEAN: Laboratory Efficiency Action Network

LEAN is a network of individuals who are passionate about ensuring science is sustainable in academia.

Regular meetings
Share best practices through online forum and resources
Aims:
To promote sustainable laboratories, efficient practices, and all forms of environmental sustainability in science laboratories.
To act as a convenor and forum for the sector, where interested individuals can learn more about sustainable labs.
To standardise, create, and promote resources on best practices for improving the sustainability of laboratories.
Can include students, researchers, technicians, academics, teaching staff

My Green Lab

My Green Lab is an organisation which aims to build a global culture of sustainability in science by gathering data on sustainable best practices and reducing the environmental impact of laboratory work.
This requires a culture change which is now widespread and now includes the companies that support labs as they now look to use sustainable packaging and recycle plastics.
My Green Lab is a non-profit organisation funded by sponsors.

Wellbeing Support