The Environmental Impact of Laboratory Research
Laboratories are a major producer of plastic and energy waste. Labs typically consume 3-10 times more energy per square metre than a typical academic or office space. In wet labs, heating, cooling and ventilation are often big contributors to energy use.
Introducing the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)
In the School of Biological Sciences (and many other science schools) we are working hard to reduce our environmental impact. One way we are starting to tackle this is by signing up to LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework), which was developed by UCL. LEAF provides a defined sustainability standard for laboratories by recommending actions that lab users can take to reduce waste, energy, plastics and water in the lab.
Launching LEAF in the School of Biological Sciences
One of the goals of LEAF is to foster relationships for new and existing staff and students that not only encourages collaboration but improves the overall environment for everyone. On the 5th March we introduced SBS to LEAF during a Research Environment and Sustainability talk. We also informed everyone about the events we would be putting on in March, such as a coffee & cake morning and a SBS Sustainability Update. We had our first event on the 6th March, a litter pick around the University lake.
Eight members of the University involved in SBS (including post docs, technical staff and a building support officer) took part in a very rainy litter pick over lunch on Friday 6th March. Together we walked various routes around the lake in groups of 2-3 and between us collected 11 bags of general waste.
One thing that we noticed on our litter pick was how little litter there was on the main paths round the lake. A great problem to have as a university! We had to venture into the shrubbery around the
lake to find any litter. Within the bushes we were rewarded with plenty of food packets and empty alcohol cans, so we didn’t have to worry about going home empty handed for long!
Along with the general waste we also found over 20 glass items that we were able to easily deposit into the glass recycling bins that have popped up around campus. These seemed to mainly be in the form of beer glasses and wine bottles. Hopefully with the new bins along popular routes across the University, less glass waste will find its way into the bushes.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Sustainable SBS Community
Borrowing the litter picking equipment from the University was easy and it is something we are planning to do again in a few weeks and hopefully as a school it will become a regular event!
Author: Charlie Collingham, Postdoctoral Researcher in the School of Biological Sciences and Sustainability Champion
