The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) was developed by University College London (UCL) to improve the sustainability and efficiency of laboratories. LEAF describes actions lab users can take to save water, energy, plastics and other resources. It also promotes efficiencies, research quality and safety.
Laboratories taking part in LEAF are audited and awarded Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels depending on the number of sustainability actions they take.
Get started with LEAF
Form a team
To take part in LEAF, all lab users should take part, including academic staff, postgraduate students, post-doctoral research assistants, and technicians. Achieving LEAF is a collaborative effort, though you may wish to assign someone within your lab group to take the lead in coordinating your efforts on LEAF.
Define what your lab covers for LEAF
A ‘lab’ is a dedicated space with specialised equipment where teaching or research takes place. Many of our labs at Bath span various disciplines, such as health, life sciences, psychology, and engineering.
For the purposes of your LEAF submission, it’s helpful to consider whether to submit your lab as a single space or a group. Sometimes it’s more efficient to group spaces together. If there are a number of labs grouped together which broadly include the same people, processes, and practices you can register this as a single lab.
You shouldn't divide a lab space for the purposes of LEAF registration. If you share a lab, submit a single application with all lab users who work in that space.
Register or join a lab
Sign up to the LEAF platform to access the workbook and start taking action.
Many labs at Bath are already registered with LEAF, so it’s worth registering on the platform first to check if your lab exists. If it does, you can join it.
If you cannot find your lab registered already, you can add it as a new lab following these steps:
- Login to LEAF
- Select 'view institution structure'
- Double check that your lab isn't already listed - if it is then you should request to join that
- Request to add a new lab
- Complete all form fields
- You will be notified once this has been approved my a member of our team
Compile evidence
LEAF breaks down sustainability criteria into different categories to make them more approachable. You can address the criteria in any order, so you can start with the easiest to achieve first before moving on to the next.
For each award level, there are a set number of criteria you must address in order to become accredited. There are:
- 18 criteria at Bronze level
- 17 criteria at Silver level
- 15 criteria at Gold level
To achieve Silver and Gold levels you must also fulfill the criteria for the lower levels. You don’t have to start at the Bronze level. If you have done the work, your lab can apply for Silver or even Gold. You can use our preliminary self-assessment tool [ADD LINK] to get an idea of your lab's current level.
At least 70% of the criteria at each level should be applicable to the lab for LEAF to be suitable. You must pass all applicable criteria to achieve certification. If you are unsure whether LEAF is suitable for your lab, please contact us at leaf@bath.ac.uk to discuss.
Submit for audit
Once you have compiled all your evidence on the workbook, including completing the calculators if you wish, you should submit this for audit.
The LEAF programme relaunches at the start of each academic year. For labs that want to be certified within that year, submissions will need to be completed by 18 May each year. Most audits take place during the summer but some can be done across the year. If you have a pressing need to be certified soon, please contact leaf@bath.ac.uk to discuss.
How a LEAF audit works
When your lab has submitted for an audit on the LEAF platform, our team will assign two auditors and put you in contact with each other to organise a suitable date to carry out an audit.
The audit consists of two trained auditors visiting your lab to discuss your submission and check that the lab meets the expectations for the level of LEAF award you're applying for.
During the audit, you will be asked questions relating to your submission or related actions in your lab.
All lab users will be expected to demonstrate awareness and understanding of actions taken for LEAF but you might choose to have a single person lead on the submission and auditing process. Multiple lab users can attend the audit.
What to do if your lab doesn't achieve LEAF certification
It is fairly common for labs to fail on their first submission, so please don’t be put off. Your auditors will provide you with detailed feedback outlining the areas in which you’ve failed and the actions you need to complete to achieve certification.
Please resubmit for an audit within six months of failure notification as this allows the auditors to conduct an online review. If you resubmit more than six months after your original audit, the auditors will need to do another full in-person audit.
If you want your lab audited before the end of the current academic year, you need to complete your submission by 18 May. If you have an urgent requirement to achieve certification, please contact us to discuss.
Achieving and maintaining your lab's LEAF certification
When your lab has been assessed to either Bronze, Silver, or Gold standard, you'll receive an automatic email from the LEAF platform to notify you.
Log in to the platform to find detailed feedback from your auditors.
We will present you with a certificate and door sticker at our annual Sustainability Awards to celebrate your work. Please don't download the UCL-branded certificates from the LEAF platform.
How long LEAF certification lasts
Lab certification currently lasts for two years. At the end of that period, you need to reapply for certification at the same or a higher level.
You don't need to wait for two years and can apply to move up to subsequent levels at any time.