The LEAF framework is a national initiative designed to enhance sustainability within laboratories across the UK. It provides a structured approach for labs to improve energy efficiency, waste management, and overall environmental performance. The certification is divided into three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each indicating a progressively higher standard of sustainability.鈥�
Achieving the Silver Award is a significant milestone, demonstrating a lab’s dedication to substantial improvements in sustainable practices and setting a benchmark for others to follow.鈥�
Recognising our award-winning Labs
The four labs which have successfully met the criteria for the LEAF Silver Award are as follows:
- WPL 2.03 – STEMLab Biosciences Lab
- WPL 2.09 - STEMLab Synthesis Lab
- WPL 2.11 - STEMLab Analytical Lab
- WU.010/016 – Physics Cleanroom (Science)
The Biosciences Lab, maintained by Eleanor Braithwaite (School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences),鈥痟as integrated sustainable practices into daily operations by reducing single-use plastics and running autoclaves at full capacity to minimise energy consumption. The lab has also improved waste management by ensuring packaging is removed before entering the lab, reducing biologically contaminated waste.
The Synthesis and Analytical Labs, supported by the Technical team from the School of Science (Emma Wilson, Richard Harland, Desiree Dalligos, and Imogen Heaton) and the School of Science apprentices (Michael Dawson and Josh Theobald),鈥痗ollaborate closely to foster a sense of community essential for holistic sustainability.鈥疶hey have optimised chemical usage in teaching practicals鈥痑nd have reduced their reliance on single-use plastics by opting for glass sample tubes and reusing items like plastic Pasteur pipettes, where appropriate. Furthermore, they have鈥痠mplemented waterless condensers to reduce water consumption, this not only conserves resources but also provides students with experience in sustainable practices, and segregate their use of deionised water based on purity needs, reducing the energy required for water purification. Regular washing is conducted using tap water, further conserving resources.
Managed by Dave Black鈥�(School of Science), the Cleanroom has shown strong collaboration in sustainability by sharing information on thin-film production methods and encouraging communal chemical use. The lab is also pushing for suppliers to produce life-cycle reports and exploring less toxic alternatives to one of its photoresists, aligning with Green Chemistry principles.
Alongside this, we want to recognise and congratulate other labs across campus that have been awarded the LEAF Bronze Award:
- TW011 – led by Dawn Spencer
- HE1.36 – led by Sudha Patel and Clare Parkin
- HE1.06 – led by Josh Theobold, Clare Parkin and Sudha Patel
Nik Hunt, Environmental Manager at 蚂蚁福利导航 said: “The sustainability progress being made in our Labs is great to see, whether this is Bronze or Silver and congratulations to all these labs for their achievements.鈥疶he progress from Bronze to Silver is well deserved for the four labs and I know there is great competition to progress the next stage, Gold.鈥�
“The LEAF scheme provides a great structure for labs to evidence the role they have to play in supporting the University’s strategic theme of Climate Change and Net Zero and of course in the current climate the financial savings being achieved are also beneficial. As we continue to develop our use of the framework we look forward to expanding accreditations into less traditional labs and getting more workshops accredited. Our thanks to all those participating but also the audit team supporting these achievements.”
Looking Forward
As these labs celebrate their achievements, they are already setting their sights on the LEAF Gold Award, which will require further innovation and commitment. Their continued efforts will play a crucial role in advancing the University’s sustainability goals and inspiring other labs to follow suit.
For more information on LEAF and how other labs can get involved, please visit the Sustainability website.