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�������� began piloting the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) in October 2024, and since then 10 labs have achieved Bronze Accreditation, as well as one lab achieving Silver Accreditation. 

Laboratories are essential to research and learning, but they are also among the most resource-intensive spaces on university campuses. These spaces contribute significantly to the ��������’s overall carbon footprint. For example, wet labs occupy approximately 7% of floor space at the �������� of Sheffield, yet they accounted for 50% of our reported institutional emissions in 2018-19. 

In response, the �������� of Sheffield has adopted LEAF, to help make our labs more sustainable. LEAF, developed at and managed by �������� College London and currently implemented in 121 organisations, provides practical actions for labs to increase the efficiency of resource use. Labs participating in LEAF work towards Bronze, Silver, or Gold accreditation, depending on how effectively they meet sustainability standards, such as reducing plastic, water, and energy use. Whilst LEAF was originally designed for wet labs, many of its criteria can be applied to other research spaces. Therefore, similarly to other organisations, the �������� will be including dry labs and workshops in a slightly modified version of the programme. Recently, the LEAF team has piloted a framework for dry labs. 

The framework was piloted by the �������� from October to December 2024 with 20 labs across different faculties. Since then, 10 labs have achieved Bronze Accreditation, with one lab achieving Silver Accreditation, while the other 9 labs are busily working towards accreditation. As part of our commitment to sustainable lab practices, we will continue auditing and supporting labs to help them meet accreditation standards. This includes providing ongoing guidance, resources, and best practices to ensure more labs can progress from Bronze to Silver and ultimately Gold Accreditation.

The �������� is now undertaking an institution-wide rollout of LEAF. The adoption of LEAF across the organisation will support the �������� in achieving its net-zero carbon targets across all scopes, and bring several additional benefits, including financial savings from the reduced use of lab consumables, electricity, and water; safer lab working practices; and lab users who are empowered to proactively change and challenge processes in the workplace. 

Andy Krupa, Sustainable Labs Manager at the �������� of Sheffield, said: “We are really proud of the progress of LEAF at the �������� so far. Our first 10 labs achieving Bronze Accreditation, as well as another lab achieving Silver Accreditation, marks an important step in transforming our labs into spaces that prioritise environmental sustainability as well as research and teaching excellence. The adoption of this framework is a vital part of the ��������’s steps towards its net-zero targets.”