In 2021-22, we awarded Imperial's first Gold certificate for sustainable lab practice. 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. Read more about our gold award here.

Research groups and facilities from seven departments across Imperial took part in the national LEAF scheme in 2019–20.

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.