The Tissue Culture Facility and the Microbiology laboratory in the Medical Research Building at BSMS have both been awarded the prestigious Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) Bronze Award. This recognition highlights both team’s commitment to improving the sustainability of laboratory practices and reducing the environmental impact of research activities.
The LEAF programme is designed to promote and reward sustainable practices in laboratories, helping institutions to reduce waste, lower energy and water consumption, and adopt more environmentally conscious purchasing and waste management processes.
The Bronze Award signifies that the Tissue Culture Facility and Microbiology lab have successfully met 16 key sustainable laboratory actions. These include:
- Effective waste management and reduction strategies
- Lowering water and energy consumption through improved efficiency
- Incorporating sustainable purchasing decisions
- Implementing lab practices that minimise environmental impact
Achieving LEAF certification is a significant step forward in aligning BSMS’s research operations with broader institutional and global sustainability goals. The award reflects the dedication and hard work of the lab staff in embedding environmentally responsible practices into their daily work.
Dr Jose Pueyo-Marques, Senior Technical Service Manager at BSMS, commented: "We are incredibly proud of the team for this achievement. Sustainability is a growing priority in scientific research, and the work being done in our labs sets an example for the wider academic community. Congratulations to everyone involved in securing this double award."
The success of the Tissue Culture Facility set a strong foundation for future progress. BSMS continued to build on this achievement, aiming for even higher standards in sustainable lab practices and exploring opportunities to expand LEAF certification to other research facilities, which has now included the Microbiology laboratory.
Dr Kurtis Mengham, Senior Laboratory Technician, added: “A recent study showed that each scientific publication produces an estimated 70 tons of CO2, and that lab spaces contribute 60% of all University emissions. This award demonstrates our CL2 Labs desire to be eco-conscious and to produce research with impact, just not on our environment.”
Sustainability is one of the key research areas at BSMS, with the school also committed to creating a more sustainable future through its involvement in the Planetary Health Report Card and the Green Impact initiative.