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. 
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. 
The Biosciences Lab - WPL 2.03 in STEMLab - has 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.
Nik Hunt, Environmental Manager at Â鶹ֱ²¥ 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. The 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. 
“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 the Bioscience Lab and other which have been awarded the LEAF award 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.