Last year, lab teams were assessed using the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), a new green accreditation replacing NUS' Green Impact Labs. LEAF provides a defined sustainability standard to help laboratories reduce their environmental impact and includes metrics enabling groups to quantify economic and carbon savings. Criteria focus on areas such as waste & recycling, reducing single-use plastics, equipment management, transport, research efficiency and procurement. The programme is supported by the UK reproducibility network (UKRN) and aims to be incorporated into research grants to promote the funding of greener research.

All three academic schools, Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Cellular & Molecular Medicine and Biochemistry within the entire Biomedical Sciences Building achieved bronze accreditation, with five groups attaining silver and two teams reaching gold. In total, this represents over 170 laboratories (>7500 M² of lab space) that currently have Green Lab Accreditation status.

The building’s sustainability success is largely thanks to the efforts of an engaged and active technical team. For Green Lab Accreditation 2019, there was a big drive to increase participation of lab users. Involving researchers enabled the criteria to be met more effectively on account of greater familiarity with space and equipment. Recruiting more LEAF volunteers also widened LEAF awareness throughout the building and gave lab users the opportunity to discuss and engage with the framework. Most lab users were surprised to learn how “LEAF could positively impact their sustainability credentials”.

In light of the University’s recent ‘climate emergency’ declaration, it is more important than ever to demonstrate Bristol's commitment to reducing it's environmental footprint. Considering STEM buildings account for 40% of the University’s energy consumption, LEAF will play a crucial role in helping us meet our carbon reduction commitments. We would like to encourage our STEM colleagues to build on the success of the Biomedical Sciences Building and sign-up for LEAF 2020. 

Jan 2020