Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)

Laboratories are extremely energy and resource intensive facilities. Laboratories typically use 3-10 times more energy and water per m² than office spaces. It is also estimated that approximately 2% of the world’s plastic waste originates from life science labs alone.

With over 1000 areas designated as laboratories on campus, the overall potential environmental impact of these laboratories is significant. UNSW is committed to making science more sustainable in our research & teaching laboratories and workshops by rolling out the University-wide LEAF program.

LEAF helps build a culture of sustainability through engagement and collaboration within laboratories and with laboratories internationally. 

In a pilot program of LEAF in the UK involving 235 laboratory groups, LEAF prevented 648 metric tonnes of CO₂ from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Introducing LEAF can also have significant financial benefits. The laboratories introducing LEAF in the UK saved on average $7500 due to their more efficient resource use, energy savings and decreased waste production.

During the 2022 LEAF program teams achieved significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, water and laboratory expenses, as well as a significant decrease in single-use plastics usage.

Registered LEAF groups have also reported improved communication and efficiency, increased staff moral and engagement, as well as the potential for increased success in grant and funding applications.

Anyone working in laboratories or workshops at UNSW can organise a team to take part in the program. LEAF is applicable to dry labs, wet labs and teaching labs. You can cover a research group within a laboratory, a whole laboratory or a group of laboratories.

• How many people can represent a lab in LEAF?

As many of your team members as you want can participate in LEAF, however we recommend having one or two contacts responsible for data entry. Once your LEAF contacts are registered online, they can download and share the LEAF criteria with the entire team.

• I don’t have a wet lab – is this tool appropriate?

Yes, dry labs and other workshops are more than welcome! We previously trialled LEAF in dry labs at UNSW and found that the LEAF toolkit is suitable for computer labs and workspaces. Several actions relate to managing large equipment like high-performance computing systems and monitors, as well as actions related to flexible working arrangements for dry labs to cut down on the carbon emissions from the morning commute. Please give it a go, we would love to receive your feedback!

• The criteria are not relevant to me… what should I do?

You may find that not all the framework’s criteria relate to your work. This is okay! Briefly explaining why the criteria is not relevant to you is okay for receiving LEAF certification. We would also encourage you to make suggestions for new initiatives. You can add new actions under “Step 3, Open Initiatives” so we can track them. If you can think of new improved criteria, please let us know!

• How does LEAF align with Health and Safety measures?

LEAF aligns with UNSW’s commitment to health and safety. One of the benefits of LEAF is that it is developed by researchers, clinicians, industry users and technicians to align with the best health, safety and biosecurity measures. The LEAF criteria are carefully selected and have been tested and implemented in more than 95 institutions worldwide in over 15 countries. LEAF actions also have relevant UNSW safety guidelines and procedures identified in the toolkit, and we will continue to work with the Health and Safety team to ensure LEAF reflects the latest measures.

Please feel free to check the guidelines and if you still have any concerns, please contact us at LEAFlabs@unsw.edu.au or raise the issue in the Teams Channel. We will ensure your concerns are addressed and may be able to find another sustainable alternative to the action.

• Some of these changes need resources, and I can’t commit them. What should I do?

We do not expect any laboratory group to commit resources to addressing LEAF criteria and we do not want the (un)availability of resources to affect your ability to complete LEAF. If you have any concerns about resources required to complete LEAF, please raise it by contacting LEAFlabs@unsw.edu.au or raise it in the Teams channel. We do not expect you to make any cost-bearing changes. Please contact us and we will find a solution.

• How long will it take to implement LEAF in my lab?

This varies based on the size of the lab and how it is set up. LEAF has been designed to minimise administration, whilst maximising action. Surveyed labs have indicated that they spent approximately 1-10 hours in the first year.

• How can the EM Environmental Sustainability team support me?

The EM Environmental Sustainability team will support your team throughout the LEAF process. You decide how to organise your team and what style of communication works best for you. We provide toolkits, learning resources, training, presentations and support on request.