LEAF
Funding Requirements & Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework
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 under the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.
Laboratory activities are amongst the more environmentally impactful at the University. Whilst it is recognised that this impact is imperative for research and teaching, LEAF looks at how the impacts can be optimised.
LEAF is open to academic and research laboratories, including research or teaching facilities. The framework was designed by UCL Link opens in a new windowand facilitates and drives improvements in laboratory efficiency.
LEAF focuses on efficiency - across topics such as people, equipment, ventilation and water - the framework offers insight into how everyday practices can be nudged towards lower costs and environmental impact without impacting the research.
LEAF - A two stage process
Through a written self-assessment and face-to-face peer-review you will be asked consider a range of criteria, annually.
The Framework, which is hosted online by UCL, has three levels - Bronze Silver and Gold - you do not need to pass Bronze to initially apply for Silver.
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.
The time expectation is that Step 1 would take at maximum one hour of desk based work annually.
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.
The time expectation is that Step 2 take at maximum one hour of in-person auditing.
Calculators & Open Initiatives
The online platform has the capabilities to gather usage data and generate savings reports. This has benefits to the University, as well as providing evidence of sustainable action for funding proposals.
There are nine calculators which may be relevant to your lab, the aim of the calculators is to provide a snapshot of the sustainability performance before and after implementing the criteria.
- Baseline Calculators - Input your data within the first two years of LEAF participation to learn how much carbon and money common lab processes are utilising.
- Savings Calculators - As you progress through LEAF, you can vary the lab's new baseline, to see how much your actions save, in terms of money and carbon.
- Savings Report - You can see the total savings you’ve achieved, and this will also be reported annually in our impact report.
Open initiatives are where you can record all good practice implemented which is not captured by the criteria or calculators. Especially if you have managed to save some money!
- Taking the train whilst traveling across Europe?
- Group trips that plan for minibuses rather than people organising solo travel?
- Swapping to a more generic size of an item so bulk purchasing across groups is possible?
- Recycling old equipment through UniGreen Scheme and receiving a rebate?
If you have a example of how LEAF has saved you money, tell us!
LEAF Champions
Our LEAF Champions 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
Volunteer with us to be a LEAF Auditor
We are looking for staff and PGR 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.
Volunteer to be a LEAF Auditors
We are looking for staff and PGR 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