The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) is an environmental accreditation scheme developed by University College London (UCL) to improve the sustainability of laboratories. By taking part in the LEAF programme, each laboratory is committing to and actively taking steps towards reducing its carbon emissions and improving their laboratory’s environment. The framework requires evidence to be provided outlining sustainability actions covering 10 lab areas: Waste, People, Purchasing, Equipment, IT, Sample and chemical management, Research quality, Ventilation, Water and Teaching. There are Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of attainment.
We’re delighted to announce that Kent has achieved Bronze status for five Bioscience Teaching Labs.
The LEAF Bronze Award in our Biology, Chemistry and Forensic labs would not have been possible without the dedication and efforts of:
- Phil Marsh, Head of Technical Services
- Carl Hudson, Senior Technical Services Manager (School of Natural Sciences)
- Diana-Madalina Suciu, Technical Manager (Chemistry & Forensic Science)
- Tosin Bodumde, Assistant Technician (Chemistry)
- Naomi Stead, Technician (Forensic Science)
- Julian Cook, Technical Manager (Biology)
- Lisa Hinton, Specialist Technician (Biology)
- Fran Jordan, Assistant Technician (Biology)
- David Traske, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Co-Ordinator (HSES)
Both teams surpassed the minimum requirement, thanks to their hard work across all areas. They are now planning and working towards meeting the Silver Award standards and show no signs of stopping there! Here’s what the Chemistry and Forensic team had to say:
“Achieving the bronze LEAF accreditation encouraged us to use a process that challenged us to examine lab practices through the lens of sustainability and ethics. It was encouraging to see that we were already meeting many of the required standards.
The process itself for the Bronze LEAF accreditation was far less daunting than we expected, mainly because much of the foundation was already in place and the steps we took to close the gaps were practical and achievable, especially when so much supporting material is provided. It’s a process any lab can take on and the benefits to sustainability and team engagement make it well worth the effort.”
David Traske, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Co-Ordinator (HSES) said:
“LEAF has been around a while now and other HE laboratories and institutions from around the world have shared LEAF and other information which contributed to our building of useful resources, contributing to best practice and supporting the Bioscience LEAF submissions.”
LEAF aligns lab work with the University’s sustainability strategy, climate targets and our commitment to the UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The LEAF standard is an important part of the University’s journey to becoming Net Zero.
Technical staff have been imperative to the success of LEAF by embedding essential sustainability practices into their everyday activities. Tracey Davies, Senior Technical Services Manager (Facilities), organised a LEAF/Sustainability event at Kent’s Ingram building on 22nd and 23rd September so that attendees could find out more about sustainable initiatives that support Silver LEAF Accreditation. The event was put together collaboratively with UniGreenScheme and SARSTEDT.
Congratulations to everyone involved!