York St John University’s science labs earn internationally recognised sustainability accreditation 

Laboratories at York St John University have been awarded Bronze accreditation through the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), recognising the University’s commitment to improving sustainability in lab-based research and teaching. 

York St John has adopted LEAF as part of ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Laboratories are resource intensive, using significant amounts of water and an average of 5 to 10 times more energy per m2 than standard office spaces. Developed at and managed by University College London (UCL), LEAF is an internationally recognised sustainability framework that helps improve the efficiency of lab resource use through practical, measurable actions.   

The accreditation provides independent recognition of the progress made at York St John and covers all our Bioscience labs, teaching rooms, prep rooms and research rooms. It follows 18 months of dedicated work across procedures, protocols and procurement including: 

• All students committing to a sustainability pledge for their lab work 
• Reusing equipment wherever possible 
• Recycling the two main plastic types used in the labs (Polypropylene and Polystyrene) by decontaminating with a Chemgene solution so the plastic is safe to be recycled  
• Reducing the use of the autoclave for decontamination 
• Regular checks and calibration of equipment to ensure precision and reduce waste through repeated experiments due to inaccuracies in weighing and measuring 
• Adjustment of the ultra-low temperature freezers from -80 to -70C 
• Cleaning regime for all fridges and freezer filters to support longevity and lower electricity usage to reduce carbon footprint 
• Codes of practice around use of resources such as chemicals and distilled water 
• Sustainable procurement process for lab equipment that evaluates whole life impact  

Professor Robert Mortimer, Pro Vice Chancellor: Research and International said:  

“Sustainability is one of the key objectives in our University for Social Impact Strategy and it’s vital that we embed this in our teaching and research. Achieving the LEAF accreditation reflects the commitment of our researchers, laboratory staff and student scientists to reducing our environmental impact. These positive steps help to reduce resource consumption, lower operational costs and contribute to our ambitious environmental sustainability goals.” 

Thelma Reed, Bioscience Technical Specialist said: 

“The reaction and enthusiasm from our Bioscience students has been fantastic. They’ve fully commitment to new ways of working and reducing waste wherever possible and they’ve been instrumental in helping us to achieve our environmental goals.  

“We’re delighted to have earned the Bronze LEAF certification but we’re not stopping there. We’ve formed a Green Lab Group to have regular catchups and challenge ourselves to go even further with our sustainability work.” 

Dr Adam Odell, Programme Lead for Biomedical Science said: 

“This wonderful achievement is a testament to how this transformative change in practice has been embraced by undergraduate and postgraduate students, alike. Bronze LEAF accreditation is the first step in promoting a fundamental shift in our approach to reducing the environmental impact of laboratory-based teaching and research activities.” 

Laboratories participating in LEAF work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditation levels. York St John will soon begin working towards Silver status as well as aiming to apply the sustainability insights and best practices gained through the LEAF process across other areas of campus. 

Read more about studying Biomedical Science at York St John 

Biomedical Science

Biomedical Sciences MSc