Laboratory-based research is essential for advancing society but is also extremely energy and resource-intensive. Improving the sustainability of labs is crucial for minimising their environmental impact and ensuring the responsible use of resources for future generations. According to the UCL LEAF website, “It’s estimated that laboratories are responsible for around 2% of global plastic waste and use 3-10 times more energy per meter squared than a typical office.”
So, why join LEAF? By joining the programme, laboratories and other workspaces will reduce carbon emissions and create an environment that supports research quality. LEAF guides lab users on how to save plastics, water, energy and other resources and helps participants estimate the impact their changes have made with user-friendly calculators (both in financial and carbon terms).
Labs use a lot of energy
40% of global CO2 emissions come from generating electricity and since laboratories consume 3-10 times more energy than a typical office building, they are one of the most energy intensive industries.
- ULT freezers make up over 66% of energy used by laboratories and if set to -80oC can use the same energy as 1 UK household per year
- Fume hoods use the same energy as 2-3 UK households per year when running.
- A heat block at 90oC can consume as much energy as one and a half -20oC freezers
- A 10-12L water bath at 37oC can consume as much energy as 2 small fridges.
See the resources section for tips on how to reduce energy consumption in labs.
Consumable use
Laboratory plastics account for 2% of the of the total plastic waste generated globally each year, in 2015 a Nature article was published that estimated that academic research laboratories produce 5.5 million tons of plastic waste each year.
A study has been done that concludes that the re-use of glass and plasticware reduces CO2 emissions and costs compared to using single use plastics. More information can be found here.
See the resources section for tips on how to reduce the use of consumables in labs.
Benefits of becoming LEAF accredited
When labs sign up for LEAF they are assessed on their sustainability practices and given resources to help them improve those practices.
Becoming LEAF accredited helps labs:
- Reduce utility costs and environmental footprint
- Increase research efficiency
- Provide recognition for individual labs and the University on a national stage
- Enable a bottom-up sustainability movement that integrates different labs and departments
- Create practice-based learning experiences that improve professional skills and employability
- Strengthen relationships between estates, lab users and other stakeholders
- Is a selling point for prospective students
- Support inter-lab and inter-departmental benchmarking
- Create a better understanding within our community of our science buildings and operations
- Align with our commitment to sustainability.
Research
The University of Liverpool has become an early signatory to the UKRI Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.
The concordat has been co-developed by the UK research and innovation (R&I) sector and represents a shared ambition for the UK to continue delivering cutting-edge research, but in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
Following the launch of the Concordat, both Wellcome and Cancer Research UK have published new environmental sustainability policies which outline expectations for organisations and researchers receiving funding to follow sustainable research practices, including participation in the LEAF programme. It is anticipated that more funders will follow this example.
Participate in the Environmental Management System
The LEAF framework also contributes directly to our ISO14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) by supporting targets and processes on waste, energy, training and culture.
LEAF complies with health and safety regulations
Safety for staff is paramount to operations, and LEAF takes into account safety requirements. Many LEAF criteria align perfectly with safety targets, e.g. keeping fume cupboard sashes lowered when not in use and tracking chemical stocks.
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