What is the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)?

LEAF is a green initiative used to improve the sustainability and efficiency of laboratories, technical workspaces, workshops, studios and galleries.

LEAF is a program that evaluates the sustainability of labs and helps them reduce their carbon footprint. By providing labs with guidance and resources, LEAF helps increase efficiency in 10 area’s: waste, people, purchasing, equipment, IT, sample and chemicals management, research quality, teaching, ventilation and water. Participating labs are awarded either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award depending on how many sustainable actions they take.

LEAF was developed by University College London (UCL), and piloted with 23 other universities and research institutes from 2018-2020 before it was made widely available. Today, LEAF is used across at least 15 countries and is growing fast. With over 85 institutions registered it has quickly become the largest green lab certifications globally.