LEAF stands for Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework and has been developed by University College London to help Laboratory Managers, technical staff, academics and students address environmental sustainability issues in their laboratories. Southampton University joining LEAF was initiated by laboratory technical staff working with the Sustainability team and is coordinated by Peter Morgan who can be contacted on p.r.morgan@soton.ac.uk.
- LEAF is a tool to help those working in laboratories change their practice to improve efficiency and sustainability.
- The framework contains criteria for assessment supported by guidance which lab users can implement around areas such as energy use, waste & recycling, equipment management, procurement, education of lab users, ventilation, water, research quality and laboratory based teaching.
- LEAF also facilitates the quantification of impacts by calculation of savings both in terms of carbon and financial
- As a benchmarking scheme, progress can be tracked through achievement of Bronze, Silver and Gold level recognition. Many laboratories at the University have already achieved bronze award.
Working to make our laboratories more sustainable: