A new LEAF in laboratory sustainability

The University of Reading has achieved its first Bronze Award in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). Dr Stephen Elmore, Associate Professor of Food and Nutritional Sciences, was recognised for his efforts to increase the sustainability of his laboratory.

LEAF is an online assessment tool, designed and administered by Sustainable UCL to improve and maintain efficiency in all areas of laboratory operations. Participants are supported by online data, expert resources and user guides, and receive Bronze, Silver and Gold standards for completing sets of sustainability criteria.

The LEAF program enables laboratories to reduce costs as well as carbon, with current participants saving an average £3,700 and 2.9 tCO2e per annum (per laboratory). Further benefits include receiving a nationally recognised environmental sustainability accreditation, while completing actions to support health and safety compliance within laboratories.

Due to the carbon-intensive nature of laboratory work, the universities’ science-based buildings represent 25% of total energy consumption and produce 20% of total day-to-day waste (by weight). By taking steps to become more efficient, LEAF participants provide a valuable contribution to the University’s Net Zero Carbon Plan.

Achieving the first Bronze Award

When asked why he wanted to participate in LEAF, Dr Elmore said:

"As both a member of the School Sustainability Group and a Laboratory Manager, I was asked by Kate Fletcher (Chair of the Sustainability Group) if I would volunteer to be the first Laboratory Manager to apply for LEAF accreditation. As I consider sustainability important, as well as the associated financial benefits obtained by running a sustainable laboratory, I was happy to take part in the process." 

The LEAF Award is being supported by Technical Services, who are providing resources, expertise and assessment to support laboratories.

Describing his experience of the award, Dr Elmore said:

"The process was quite straightforward, particularly with the help I received from Andy Whittam (Technical Manager - Operations), Olga Khutoryanskaya (Technical Manager – Chemistry) and Scott O’Brien (Associate Director of Operations). I’m looking forward to applying for the Silver Award." 

How do I sign up?

The LEAF programme at the University of Reading is being administered by Scott O’Brien. Anyone who is interested can contact Scott directly via email and he or a member of his team will set you up on the online LEAF tool and send you a link with your login credentials so that you can get started.

You can find out more about the initiative by visiting the LEAF website.