Alongside the content and impact of our research, we are also considering the carbon impact of the way we conduct our research. In September 2021 we launched a pilot of LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) working with labs from across our faculties. Building on the lessons we will learn from this initial phase we hope to start rolling this out across the University in AY 2022/23.
We’re delighted that the Frost/Taylor laboratory has been awarded the first LEAF accreditation on campus.
Follow our progress and find out more, or if your lab is interested in joining the LEAF pilot, please contact the Climate Action team for an informal discussion.
We have taken the opportunity to consider how carbon considerations are embedded in our research ethics approach and are looking to develop tools to support researchers to quantify and minimise the carbon emissions in preparation of research proposals.
Moving forward with implementation of the Climate Action Framework we continue to support and encourage use of the university campus and community in Living Lab research. The transition to a low carbon campus and the decarbonisation of our heating provide real life opportunities to benefit from our own research. In developing an approach to embedding low carbon in our building and refurbishment projects we have drawn on the depth and breadth of expertise in our own department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.