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Laboratories are essential to research and learning, but they are also among the most resource-intensive spaces on university campuses. The environmental impact of the University’s research and teaching laboratories is significant. For example, wet labs occupy only approximately 7% of our floor space, yet they accounted for 50% of our reported institutional emissions in 2018-19. 

In response, the University of 91̽�� has initiated a pilot programme, adopting the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), to make our labs more sustainable and cost-effective. The University aims to implement LEAF across all laboratory types, including wet, dry, and computer labs. 

From October to December 2024, 20 labs across different faculties are participating in the LEAF pilot, designed to reduce the environmental impact of the University’s laboratory-based research and teaching. The scheme will then begin rollout across the organisation on an opt-in basis from early 2025. 

The pilot project is serving as a trial to help those coordinating and participating in LEAF understand how to participate most effectively and address any issues. This will ensure a more successful full-scale rollout in 2025. Laboratories for the initial pilot have been selected by leadership within different faculties. However, labs will be able to sign up to the University-wide rollout in early 2025.

LEAF, developed at and managed by University College London and currently implemented in 121 organisations, provides practical actions for labs to increase the efficiency of resource use. Labs participating in LEAF work toward bronze, silver, or gold accreditation, depending on how effectively they meet sustainability standards, such as reducing plastic, water, and energy use. This framework not only benefits the environment but also lowers operational costs, supporting a sustainable future for research and teaching. 

The adoption of LEAF across the organisation will support the institution in achieving its net-zero carbon targets across all scopes, and bring several additional benefits, including financial savings from the reduced use of lab consumables, electricity, and water; safer lab working practices; and lab users who are empowered to proactively change/challenge processes in the workplace. 

Andy Krupa, Sustainable Labs Manager at the University of 91̽��, said: “We are really pleased with progress in the LEAF pilot so far. The pilot marks an important step in transforming our labs into spaces that prioritise sustainability as well as research and teaching excellence. This project is a vital part of the University’s steps towards its net-zero targets and we must continue finding ways to reduce our environmental impact.”