Editorial · CASRAI · Sustainable research and laboratory operations
Green Laboratory Certification: Sustainable Lab Practices for Researchers
Laboratories are among the most resource-intensive spaces in the university estate, consuming several times more energy per square metre than standard office buildings. Green laboratory certification programmes — including the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) developed at the Universities of Exeter and Cambridge, and the My Green Lab certification programme originating in the United States — provide structured pathways for research teams to audit, improve, and formally recognise sustainable practice. As funders including UKRI incorporate sustainability into their expectations of grant holders, and as institutions pursue net-zero commitments, these frameworks offer researchers practical tools for reducing environmental impact without compromising scientific output. This article examines what LEAF and My Green Lab certification involve, the role of energy-intensive equipment, and how researcher behaviour change underpins lasting improvement.
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