The LEAF framework is a national initiative designed to enhance sustainability within laboratories across the UK. It provides a structured approach for labs to improve energy efficiency, waste management, and overall environmental performance. The certification is divided into three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each indicating a progressively higher standard of sustainability.鈥�
Achieving the Silver Award is a significant milestone, demonstrating a lab’s dedication to substantial improvements in sustainable practices and setting a benchmark for others to follow.鈥�
Managed by Dave Black鈥� (School of Science), the Cleanroom has shown strong collaboration in sustainability by sharing information on thin-film production methods and encouraging communal chemical use. The lab is also pushing for suppliers to produce life-cycle reports and exploring less toxic alternatives to one of its photoresists, aligning with Green Chemistry principles.
Nik Hunt, Environmental Manager at Loughborough said: “The sustainability progress being made in our Labs is great to see, whether this is Bronze or Silver and congratulations to all these labs for their achievements.鈥疶he progress from Bronze to Silver is well deserved for the four labs and I know there is great competition to progress the next stage, Gold.鈥�
“The LEAF scheme provides a great structure for labs to evidence the role they have to play in supporting the University’s strategic theme of Climate Change and Net Zero and of course in the current climate the financial savings being achieved are also beneficial. As we continue to develop our use of the framework we look forward to expanding accreditations into less traditional labs and getting more workshops accredited. Our thanks to all those participating but also the audit team supporting these achievements.”
Other award-winning Labs
The three other labs which have successfully met the criteria for the LEAF Silver Award are:
WPL 2.03 – STEMLab Biosciences Lab
WPL 2.09 - STEMLab Synthesis Lab
WPL 2.11 - STEMLab Analytical Lab
Looking Forward
As the Physics Clean Room and others which have been awarded the LEAF award celebrate their achievements, they are already setting their sights on the LEAF Gold Award, which will require further innovation and commitment. Their continued efforts will play a crucial role in advancing the University’s sustainability goals and inspiring other labs to follow suit.
For more information on LEAF and how other labs can get involved, please visit the Sustainability website.