Six Silver certificates awarded to Imperial laboratories for energy efficiencyResearch groups and facilities from seven departments across Imperial took part in the national LEAF scheme in 2019–20. Teams made use of the sustainability guidance in the LEAF Workbook to address energy efficiency, waste management, sharing resources and ensuring that good induction and leaving procedures were in place. Despite the challenges presented
by the coronavirus lockdown, many teams managed to submit calculations on the savings accrued from their LEAF actions: typically £1,000–£10,000 per year for each group. Improved management of fume cupboards, freezers and waste led to the highest savings and reduced the environmental impact of research. The results were impressive – our laboratories were awarded six silver and 15 bronze LEAF certificates. The LEAF scheme will run again in 2021 in an expanded form across more laboratories.