![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bmh.manchester.ac.uk\/files\/2023\/03\/Leaf-lab-1-300x266.jpg\")
LEAF champions Isobel Taylor-Hearn (left) and Alis Hales (right), secured a gold LEAF certification for the A3040 Lab<\/p><\/div>\n
Despite scientists comprising only 0.1% of the world\u2019s population, our contribution to waste is more significant than expected. For example, life scientists alone contribute to 2% (5.5 million tons) of global plastic waste each year. Laboratories also consume 3 to 10 times more energy and 4 times more water than equivalent office spaces.<\/p>\n
Therefore, as a collective, it is important that we work towards reducing our energy, water and consumables use \u00a0through better management and sharing of materials and resources, and by changing mentalities.<\/p>\n
LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework)<\/a>\u00a0is a sector wide initiative setup to achieve this, aiming to reduce lab waste and improve lab environmental sustainability and efficiency. LEAF outlines criteria at three levels (bronze, silver, gold) that help laboratories progressively meet these goals, and is applicable to wet labs, teaching spaces and IT labs.<\/p>\n Following an online induction or a live training session, LEAF champions join the FBMH sustainable lab network support group and work to set processes, training and guidance in their lab to meet the criteria for a level. The LEAF application is completed via an online platform offering further resources and calculators for the higher levels. Following submission, the lab is audited by two certified FBMH LEAF auditors. This process is friendly and an opportunity for exchanging tips and discussing barriers\/actions for the next level. If all the level criteria are met, the lab is awarded a certificate to put on their door.<\/p>\n Gold is the highest criteria, which all labs should aim towards to limit their environmental impact. For example, to win a gold LEAF certification, a lab might have to demonstrate reuse of materials, reduction in overall consumption and improvement in recycling compliance and rate.<\/p>\n As a result of their implementation of environmentally sustainable and efficient laboratory practice, two labs, the A3040 Lab in Michael Smith and the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub in the Henry Royce Institute, have received gold LEAF certificates after their audit in February.<\/p>\n LEAF champion Christina Picken (right) and team secured a gold LEAF certification for the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub<\/p><\/div>\n Congratulations to LEAF champions Isobel-Taylor Hearn and Alis Hales (A3040 Lab) and Christina Picken (Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub), for securing the certification with their labs.<\/p>\n These labs are a shining example of how environmental sustainability can be achieved in the faculty and it is important other lab spaces follow suit to reduce our collective environmental impact.<\/p>\n Find out more about LEAF:\u00a0LEAF (The University of Manchester)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nominate\u00a0a LEAF champion.<\/a><\/p>\n To find out more about ES in FBMH:<\/b>\u00a0visit the\u00a0faculties webpage on Environmental Sustainability<\/a>, explore our\u00a0StaffNet page on Sustainability<\/a>, read the latest news on\u00a0Sustainability in the School of Health Sciences<\/a>, or contact\u00a0srbmh@manchester.ac.uk<\/a>\u00a0to sign up to our ES good newsletter.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version=”3.0.106″ in_same_term=”off” show_prev=”on” show_next=”on” prev_text=”Previous” next_text=”Next” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”3.0.106″ show_avatar=”on” show_reply=”on” show_count=”on” background_layout=”light” header_font_size_tablet=”51″ header_line_height_tablet=”2″ custom_button=”on” button_icon_placement=”right” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_use_icon=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” 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\u00a0<\/p>\n The Social Responsibility Public Engagement Digest<\/span>: https:\/\/www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk\/connect\/social-responsibility\/contact\/<\/a><\/p>\n The Faculty Website<\/span>: https:\/\/www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk\/connect\/social-responsibility\/public-patients\/<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bmh.manchester.ac.uk\/files\/2023\/03\/Leaf-lab-2-300x203.jpg\")
Related<\/h1>\n
Related posts:<\/h3>
Fueling Sustainable Commutes: A Recap of Our Active Travel Breakfast Event<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a>
Low Carbon Crisps<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a>
How I identified and mapped 1000+ trees in the Fallowfield Campus<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
Further information<\/span><\/h4>\n