LEAF helps you identify practical steps to make your lab more sustainable. It is usually done in teams. You can spend as much or as little time as you like, but a good average is around 10 hours each academic year. Participants complete a set of criteria to reach Bronze, Silver or Gold standard in turn, and can estimate the carbon and financial savings their actions have achieved.
The scheme recognises all the great things you are already doing and provides a structure for planning your next steps. It covers equipment, space use, ventilation, procurement, waste, samples and chemicals.
LEAF encouraged me to create chemical lists and inventories for cold storage. This is working well now and makes me really happy! (Lab manager)
Working towards LEAF accreditation empowered me to raise and address sustainability issues in our lab. It was really helpful having the criteria as guidance. (DPhil student)
LEAF is as much about good lab management as it is about sustainability and thus fills a gap that has previously been overlooked. (PI)
You can opt to do LEAF independently or as part of our bigger Green Impact programme. Working on your LEAF accreditation will help you score points towards your Green Impact award. You can have one Green Impact team and multiple LEAF teams (usually one team per lab space) in your building.
Your achievements will be recognised and celebrated at the University’s annual Sustainability Showcase.
How to get started
- Join the community
- Access resources
- Set your goals
- Understand how changes to funding requirements may affect your current and future funding.
- Choose an award level, Bronze, Silver or Gold and follow the criteria to achieve accreditation.
- Register and get started
- Join an existing lab or register a new one through the LEAF online system.
- If joining an existing team, simply participate (LEAF is managed locally within each lab).
Key Dates in 2025
Award submission dates
- Bronze award – Friday. 16 May 2025
- Silver and Gold awards – Friday, 20 June 2025
Audit period
The labs and auditors should schedule peer-to-peer audits to conclude in the following time frames:
- Bronze audit – from 19 May to 20 June
- Silver and Gold audit - from 23 June to 19 July
Benefits of participating in LEAF
- Recognised Accreditation – Earn national sustainability certification for good lab practice
- Cost Savings – Reduce utility costs and access financial incentives.
- Research Efficiency – Streamline processes and enhance funding prospects.
- Sustainability Leadership – Drive positive change and benchmark progress.
- Recognition & Collaboration – Gain national recognition and strengthen team connections.
- Professional Growth – Develop skills, boost employability, and engage students.
- Strategic Impact – Align with the University’s sustainability goals.
