Sustainable labs programme LEAF hits milestone with Bronze awards

A sustainable labs programme at the University of Huddersfield is marking a milestone as all 47 research laboratories in the School of Applied Sciences have now achieved the Bronze award under the national Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF).

The programme is designed to bring improvements in laboratory efficiency as these spaces are high in resource use and are estimated to use up to ten times more energy and four times more water than offices.

LEAF provides a framework for lab users to consider their working practices and improve their environmental performance, covering energy use, equipment, space use, ventilation, procurement, waste, samples and chemicals.

It has been adopted at the University of Huddersfield in line with the institution’s drive toward achieving net zero carbon emissions and has resulted in positive changes, including improvements to induction and exit processes, as well as visual reminders to save energy by switching off and closing fume cupboards.

In the 2021/22 academic year, eight research labs in Applied Sciences successfully piloted the scheme and achieved the Bronze LEAF award. The following academic year, a further ten research labs in Applied Sciences also achieved the Bronze award. These have also been recertified each year.

Now, the remaining 29 research labs in the School have also reached the Bronze level, meaning all 47 research labs in Applied Sciences are now hitting the benchmark under the Framework.

Bronze LEAF awards were presented to representatives from each lab as they celebrated the milestone at a special award ceremony on Campus.

The programme is now expected to expand to other Schools within the University, as well as to teaching labs and workshops. The first 18 labs to have achieved the Bronze level are already actively working towards the Silver LEAF Award status as well.

Lucy Goulding and Emily Rye from the University’s Sustainability Team, which is spearheading the programme, said they are in agreement that it has been an exceptional accomplishment for the School of Applied Sciences.

Emily commented: “We were inspired by the level of commitment and dedication to sustainability we saw while working with the School on this project. We found that researchers are leading the way with a variety of sustainability initiatives, big and small, supported by an outstanding Technical Team, who provide the backbone for delivering many of the School-wide sustainability processes that the labs depend on. The School is a close-knit community made up of people who care about sustainability and are willing to make a difference.”

The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) was developed at University College London (UCL) and offers a straightforward, effective method to optimise lab operations, reducing environmental impact while maintaining research quality.

By participating in the LEAF programme, laboratories can achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold level certification, and more than 140 institutions worldwide have adopted the Framework.