LEAF – Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework

What is LEAF?

Scientific research carried out in laboratories is a cornerstone of innovation and discovery. However, this progress often comes with a significantImago of Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework logo. environmental cost. Laboratories are known to consume far more energy per square metre than standard office buildings - up to ten times as much in some cases - and they contribute substantially to global plastic waste, accounting for an estimated 2%.

To address these environmental challenges, the LEAF programme (developed by University College London) offers a structured approach to improving sustainability within research environments. By adopting LEAF, laboratories can take meaningful steps to lower their energy use, cut down on waste, and embed environmentally responsible practices into their daily operations - all while maintaining, and often enhancing, the quality of research outputs.

The programme recognises progress through a tiered award system: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level reflects the extent to which a lab has implemented sustainability measures, encouraging continuous improvement and long-term commitment to greener science.

Benefits of participating in LEAF

  • Environmental sustainability accreditation through a nationally recognised scheme
  • Reduces utility costs and environmental footprint
  • Supports health and safety compliance within laboratories
  • Enables more efficient research
  • Improves chances of gaining additional research funding
  • Contributes to a bottom-up sustainability movement
  • Enables inter-laboratory and inter-departmental benchmarking
  • Provides practical learning that improves professional skills and employability
  • Strengthens relationships between technicians, researchers, and other stakeholders
  • Aligns all participant laboratories with the University’s Net Zero Carbon Plan

How it works

  1. To get started with LEAF, simply email LEAF@reading.ac.uk to express your interest. You’ll receive access to the online LEAF tool, along with the official University of Reading guidance document to help you complete the criteria effectively.
  2. Once you've completed all the relevant criteria for your chosen award level, submit your application through the tool. A member of the LEAF audit team will then arrange a visit to your laboratory to verify your responses.
  3. Following the audit, you'll receive the outcome of your submission, along with constructive feedback to help you improve or progress to the next award level. If successful, you'll be awarded a customised certificate to display in your lab.
  4. LEAF accreditation is valid for 12 months. To renew your award, simply update and resubmit your criteria - this is a great opportunity to showcase any improvements or new sustainability initiatives introduced in your lab during the year.

What have the University of Reading achieved so far? 

UoR were part of the UCL pilot programme for LEAF in 2021 along with 4 other Universities and the NTDC (National Technician Development Centre), where we helped shape and test LEAF prior to it going live online. So far at UoR, 74 people have signed up to LEAF, with a total of 32 Bronze awards and 10 Silver awards since the first laboratory was awarded in June 2022.

Get Involved

Contact LEAF@reading.ac.uk to start your LEAF journey!

LEAF FAQs

  • Do I have to pay for LEAF accreditation?

The university as an institution pays a nominal fee for the use of the online LEAF tool, but there is no cost allocated to any individual or lab who partakes in LEAF.

  • How do I register for LEAF?

Email LEAF@reading.ac.uk, they will send you the link to the online tool and explain what you need to do.

  • Why will it not let me register with my university email?

Unfortunately LEAF can only be accessed by those with an @reading.ac.uk or @pgr.reading.ac.uk email address.

  • I cannot find my lab on the tool?

If your lab has not already been created, you can either request a new lab from the online tool directly, or you can email LEAF@reading.ac.uk with the relevant lab details and they will set it up for you.

  • I work in more than one lab but I cannot register for both of them?

Unfortunately the tool will only allow a person to be assigned to 1 lab at any given time. Instead, and in the spirit of collaboration, why not see if another member of your team can register for one of your labs. There is nothing wrong with working together to answer the criteria for multiple spaces, you just need to register for the online tool against different labs.

  • Can we do a team submission?

Yes, whilst a person can only be registered for a single lab, we can actually register multiple people to any lab space, so long as they have not been allocated to another lab.

  • What happens after I submit my criteria?

Once you have submitted your LEAF application, a member of the audit team will visit your lab to validate your responses to the criteria. You do not need to be present for this, unless you want to be, or unless there are particular safety restrictions for your lab space. If there is any doubt about entering your lab, the audit team will contact you to ensure all PPE requirements and safety protocols are followed.

  • How long does the process take?

People can take anywhere from 2 hours to 2 months to fill out the criteria, but this is heavily dependant on how much work is needed to meet the criteria, the size and complexity of your lab and how much time you have available yourself. The audit process usually takes around 1 hour, but again it all depends on the size of your lab and your responses to the criteria.

  • How do I know if I passed the audit process?

Once the audit is complete the team will fill out some feedback on the online tool and either approve or reject your award accordingly. As soon as they select approve or decline you will receive an automatic email informing you of the outcome. If approved you will receive a system generated certificate, which you are free to display until your official UoR specific certificate is ready, usually 1-2 weeks later.

  • How long does a LEAF award last?

LEAF awards are valid for 12 calendar months from the date of issue.

  • Do I have to repeat the process every year?

The renewal process is extremely easy. When your renewal is due you can simply log in to the online tool, go to the criteria for the award you want to apply for, and all your previously submitted answers will be there from your previous submission. All you need to do is make any amendments (changes/additions/new equipment/processes etc) that you need to and click submit.

  • Who do I contact for assistance?

You can email LEAF@reading.ac.uk for any questions, feedback or support.

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