1) What is LEAF - and how did Warwick get involved?

LEAF team: "Laboratory-based research is essential for advancing society - but it also uses a lot of energy and resources. It’s estimated that laboratories are responsible for around two percent of global plastic waste and use three-to-10 times more energy per metre squared than a typical office.

That's why University College London (UCL) developed LEAF, which stands for Lab Efficiency Assessment Framework. By joining the LEAF programme, laboratories can reduce their carbon emissions and create an environment that supports research quality.

Warwick first got involved in LEAF during 2020/21, as part of a trial. There are now 85 global institutions taking part: working towards a defined standard (bronze, silver, or gold levels) and using LEAF criteria to improve their waste handling, recycling, and equipment management."

2) What does a sustainable lab look like in practice?

LEAF team: "Sustainable labs will analyse their equipment and processes, implement initiatives to lower their carbon footprint, and decrease energy consumption. Some examples of this might be:

• turning off equipment and lights when not in use;
• using data that's already been generated, rather than assuming new data is needed;
• sharing more chemical reagents (i.e. parts of previous chemical reactions), instead of always buying new for each lab;
• reintroducing glassware over single-use plastics;
• using 'greener' solvents and chemicals;
• increased recycling, through introducing a non-contaminated green bin into labs;
• making sure all equipment is working properly and regularly maintained, which extends its life and saves money/downtime on emergency repairs."

3) How many Warwick labs are involved - and can others join in?

LEAF team: "Five Warwick labs were involved in the LEAF trial and numbers have increased annually, with 25 Warwick labs taking part in 2022/23. We have representation from the School of Life Sciences (SLS), Chemistry, Research Technology Platforms (RTPs), Warwick Medical School (WMS) and Engineering.

LEAF accreditation for research facilities is a key performance indicator (KPI) within the University’s 'Way to Sustainable' strategy - so we're keen for more labs to get involved. LEAF is open to both research and teaching labs - if you'd like to find out more, please contact Katherine Mayfield (Estates)."

4) LEAF is a brilliant example of cross-departmental work - how do the different teams work as a group?

LEAF team: "The LEAF team consists of staff and post-grad representatives from a range of departments - both lab users as well as sustainability professionals. Everyone brings their own skillsets and specialist knowledge, and lab users are also encouraged to share their learnings and best practice with others for wider impact.

It's been great to have enthusiastic staff members champion this within their departments. For example, LEAF was introduced to the School of Life Sciences initially through the Genomics lab - during that time, first-year postgraduate students in Chemistry also signed up to the framework and were some of the first labs to achieve the gold certification.

The Research Technology Platforms team has worked to achieve LEAF accreditation in all of their lab spaces - this led to a nomination for the Warwick Wonders and Wows awards!

5) What practical advice would you give to staff who are looking to make their own day-to-day work more sustainable?

LEAF team: "There are so many ways to be more sustainable in your everyday work. Across the University, we can all be making an effort to switch off lights and electrical items when we're not using them. We can cut down on our paper use - whether that's through using our laptops to take notes or reconsidering whether we really need to print out that document. Why not bring in your own reusable mug, and pack your lunch in a lunchbox instead of wrapping it in single-use cling-film or tin foil?

For lab users specifically, efficiency is key: aim for no wasted resources, whether that's plastics, water, reagents, money, time or energy."

Find out more

• Sustainable laboratories at Warwick
• UCL: about the LEAF scheme
• Want to sign your lab up to take part in LEAF? Email Katherine Mayfield (Estates).