The Physical Teaching lab is part of the LEAF scheme.

What is LEAF?

LEAF stands for Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework. It's a standard set by UCL to improve the sustainability and efficiency of laboratories.

Laboratory-based research is essential for advancing society but it is also extremely energy and resource intensive. 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.

By joining the LEAF programme, laboratories reduce their carbon emissions and create an environment that supports research quality.

Your lab will be awarded either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold level depending on how many sustainability actions you take.

What does it do?

The LEAF programme has four elements:

1.    The Framework: An online tool that guides users through sustainability actions to save plastics, water, energy and other resources in their laboratory.
2.    Online calculators: To help measure financial and carbon impact. You can estimate how sustainable your lab is now and track improvements.
3.    Toolkit and Resources: From guides to sustainable lab equipment and consumables to induction and exit procedures.
4.    User Engagement & Training: We offer each institution a tailored workshop to engage laboratory staff and students on sustainable science, and to introduce LEAF.

Find out more

Join the 85 global institutions already taking part and help address the climate and ecological emergencies through your science. You can find out more and register on the LEAF website.