Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework
Committed to reducing the environmental impact of all our activities.
The University of Warwick participates in the LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) Link opens in a new windowinitiative, designed by UCL that facilitates and drives improvements in laboratory efficiency.LEAF is open to academic and research laboratories, including research or teaching facilities.
Laboratory activities are one of the most intensive in terms of carbon impact of the University. This is due to the energy intensity of laboratory equipment, and the embodied carbon of chemicals and equipment, especially when compared to the more typical academic spaces.
We work within the UCL online tool (portal) to capture evidence, and audit the Framework.
The use of the LEAF online calculators, to quantify actions, where plausible, is encouraged for groups working at a Silver or Gold level.
LEAF
LEAF is a two step process, using self assessment and peer-review to consider a range of criteria across three levels, including: waste, people, chemical handling, water, ventilation and research standards.
The time expectation is that Step 1 would take at maximum one hour of desk based work, and Step 2 take at maximum one hour of in-person auditing.
Step 1 - After registering on the platform, laboratories under take a self-assessment, which will show the group to what level they are working: bronze, silver or gold.
- Laboratories are encouraged to initially review within Term 1, then implement their continually improvements within Term 2.
- Laboratories are encouraged to read and assess the criteria at all levels to determine their inital level.
Step 2 - At the End of Term 2, there will be a Call for Submissions. Laboratories will need to submit the evidence of the self assessment to the Auditing team. The Auditing team will contact each laboratory to organise a suitable time to visit and review the submission in-person.
LEAF Auditors
Our LEAF Auditors are our Champions within the space, all have participated in the process for multiple years, and have experience that can support colleagues with submissions. They are:
- SLS / WMS: Lesley Ward, Jeanette Selby, Muriel Erent, Nicole Pereira
- Chemistry: Anish Mistry, Jo Drozd, Nafiz Biswas
- RTPs: Chris Waldron, Ben Breeze, Cledi Zampronio
We are looking for staff volunteers to support the auditing process for the LEAF scheme. This is a valuable opportunity to get involved in improving sustainability across our laboratories.
As a volunteer auditor, you will receive training and gain insight into how different labs are embedding sustainable practices. Your contribution will help ensure the credibility of the scheme and drive positive environmental change across the university. No prior experience is required, and staff from all departments are welcome to take part.
Estates Support
The central Sustainability team administer LEAF, and act as a point of contact for all Laboratories.
- For support outside of the standard auditing calendar
- For support on grant submissions, and information about what the University is doing
Please contact:
- Sam Shaw - Estates Sustainability Officer
Requirements
Funding Requirement RE: Concordat for the environmental sustainability of research and innovation practice
There is Sustainable Research Practice Guidance to provide guidance, direction, information and advice to help Researchers identify their responsibilities and to raise awareness of risks and expectations when designing and conducting research.