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LEAF FAQs
Can an individual lab sign up for LEAF?
LEAF works best when an institution signs up, then听any lab from that institution can听participate.
Is LEAF international?
LEAF is used听across听at least 15 countries and growing fast, with over 95 institutions registered it has quickly become the largest green lab certification globally.
Where can I see what which labs from my institution have signed-up?
If you鈥檙e already using LEAF, you can click 鈥淰iew Institution Structure鈥� in the 鈥淢anage Lab鈥� tab to see which labs from your institution have signed-up. If a new user, simple login for the first time and you will be met with a visual map of labs at your institution.
Which type听of institution听or lab听is LEAF applicable to?
LEAF is only available for publicly funded institutions.
What听support do听LEAF users receive?
Administrators are given registration access to听LEAF and are given a demonstration of the platform,听typically lasting 30 minutes. Subsequently,听lab users are听offered a 1 hour workshop outlining why sustainability is relevant in science, a brief background to LEAF, what actions labs will be asked to take, and how the platform works. Technical assistance is offered throughout, as well as support on finding听sustainability solutions. Throughout the year,听workshops are provided on a variety of topics, including听LEAF content, assessment, calculators, and implementation.
How long does a LEAF submission last for?
LEAF submissions are run听annually. The LEAF platform will save answers, allowing laboratories to build on their efforts each year.
How much time does it take to implement LEAF for a lab?
This varies on the size of the听lab, and how it is set up. LEAF has been designed to听minimise administration, whilst maximising action. Surveyed labs have indicated that they may spend 1-10 hours in the first year, though this can vary. At an institutional level, LEAF has a tailoured platform which helps administrators manage a large number of labs at once.
Who should be managing LEAF at an institution?
This can vary depending on the institution, but successful LEAF managers are typically composed of technical or lab managers, sustainability leads, researchers, energy managers, and / or administrators.
How does LEAF comply with Health & Safety?
Safety for staff is paramount to operations, and LEAF takes into account safety requirements. Many LEAF criteria align perfectly with safety targets,听e.g. keeping fume cupboard sashes lowered when not in use, or tracking chemical stocks.
How are LEAF submissions assessed?
LEAF provides tools to assess criteria, including a Criteria Assessment Guide, which provides an outline of what a 鈥榩ass鈥� or 鈥榝ail鈥� would look like for each criteria. Institutions can organise assessments to be conducted either by their own administrators, or the听peer-audit function in which laboratories can assess each other (with final approval from听the administrators).
Once the submission is approved, then what?
LEAF produces a certificate for laboratories to access and print to acknowledge their efforts. Some universities organise Sustaianbility Award Ceremonies听to reward their lab teams.
What鈥檚 next for LEAF?
We鈥檙e developing new features and content for LEAF constantly, and you鈥檙e welcome to input in this process. LEAF is a user-led initiative, and we look forward to hearing how we can improve.
How much does LEAF cost?
The price of LEAF is tailored to your organisation. Please contact us on LEAF@ucl.ac.uk and we can arrange a meeting with you to enable us to provide a quote.
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