In this episode we talk to Ben Gray from Sustainable Steps who is trying to help labs operate more sustainably one practical step at a time. Ben tells us what inspired him to start the programme and gives some practical advice on how to reduce plastics, energy and cost in the lab. One not to miss for any lab managers looking to implement change!

In this episode we chat to Dr Marie Parker from the University of Leeds who is an actual user of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework - LEAF Following on from our episode with Andrea and Caitlin from LEAF/UCL we see how a senior lab manager has implemented the framework to improve the sustainability and efficiency of their laboratories. Marie also explains how the University of Leeds have implemented My Green Labs freezer challenge to great effect, achieving some impressive energy saving results.

In this episode Andrea and Caitlin tell us all about the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework - LEAF LEAF is 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. The LEAF programme helps laboratories reduce their carbon emissions and create an environment that supports research quality. Laboratories are awarded either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold level depending on how many sustainability actions they take. Hear all about the challenges, successes and some tips to achieving LEAF