James Burge is a technical supervisor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He works predominantly for IAAPS and automotive research. As part of this role, James led the application for the LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) award for the automotive labs. This included three different labs, seven test cells, the chassis dyno and the MSc automotive teaching lab.
The successful application saw the automotive labs awarded the Bronze LEAF accreditation. James was supported by Dr Daniel Coren and Dave Wood, the engineering facilities manager. We asked James about the application, its importance, and what it means for the Department.
What does the bronze level LEAF accreditation signify for the lab?
LEAF is a standard for sustainable laboratory operations. It sets out actions for lab users to be more sustainable, such as saving plastics, water, energy and other resources. Being accredited shows that laboratories will reduce carbon emissions and create an environment that supports research quality. This University initiative aims for all labs across the institution to earn a LEAF accreditation.
The bronze-level LEAF accreditation for the automotive labs is a big step toward a future of sustainable automotive research. It's a more sustainable way to work that reduces waste and increases savings in financial and carbon terms.
What specific efforts or initiatives were undertaken to meet the accreditation standards?
There are 18 sections in the framework. These include recycling, tracking material and improved collaboration systems to ensure we manage purchasing sustainably.
The biggest piece of work to meet the accreditation was setting up an asset tracking register. This ensures that we can share equipment across the different labs and reduce single-use purchases.
We undertook extra work to change and improve the labelling system to make recycling clearer and easier. For this activity the team got creative and produced laser-cut wooden plaques.
Other key initiatives included:
- communicating the importance of lab sustainability
- ensuring staff and students adopt new lab processes and procedures during experiments
How does this accreditation benefit the lab and its users?
LEAF improves the standard of sustainability and efficiency of laboratories. Our goal is for all labs in the Department to be LEAF accredited by the end of the the 2024/25 academic year.
The benefits to the labs are most noticed through cost-saving and waste reduction. For example, sharing equipment on research projects to cut down single-use purchases. Or saving energy usage to the University.
More broadly, there is a growing requirement for lab sustainability from research funders. In ethics applications, researchers must explore the sustainability of their study. Our accreditation makes meeting these requirements much easier. It also makes us look more attractive to commercial customers and potential students.
An added bonus is that the labs are cleaner, tidier and easier to use. We have clearer instructions, better signage, and smart lighting.
Were there any challenges you faced during the accreditation process?
The biggest challenge was communicating the new initiatives and ways of working to colleagues and students who were used to doing things differently. We overcame this with new signage, updating induction presentations, extra health and safety comms, and team meetings specifically for those using different labs and equipment.
It was also quite a challenge to find the time to do it! The whole process took over 12 months of work. But it was worthwhile to get the accreditation.
What are the future goals following this accreditation?
Aiming for silver! We will begin looking through the criteria and determine what needs to be done over the next three months. So watch this space!