Sustainable Labs
Our Sustainable Labs initiative brings together efforts across NTU to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory spaces and embed a culture of sustainability in research and teaching environments.
We’re taking action by:
- Implementing the LEAF certification framework in labs across NTU schools and departments
- Reviewing existing waste streams and introducing new trial initiatives
- Collaborating with NTU Procurement to embed sustainability into lab tenders and enhance supplier partnerships
- Actively engaging both technical and academic staff in meaningful change
LEAF - A Sustainable Labs Initiative
The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) is a national standard designed to improve sustainability and research quality in laboratories. Developed by UCL, LEAF provides practical steps through an online workbook, with labs working towards bronze, silver or gold certification.
Laboratories can use up to five times more energy than equivalent office spaces. By adopting LEAF, NTU aims to reduce this impact while maintaining the high-quality research and teaching our labs are known for.
Take a look at the labs that have so far achieved bronze, silver or gold at NTU
- Reduced utility costs across equipment and facilities
- Lower environmental footprint of lab operations
- Streamlined and improved lab processes
- Stronger collaboration between departments and staff groups
- Enhanced links between technicians, academics, Estates and Procurement teams
- Participation in a wider national and global movement for sustainable science
- Alignment with NTU’s University, Reimagined strategy and Embracing Sustainability commitment
- Leadership and professional development opportunities for staff
- Training and awareness-building in sustainable lab practices
- Recognition for labs and users demonstrating sustainability excellence
Lab users sign up via the LEAF platform and either join an existing lab or create a new one. Labs work through a set of tiered criteria - bronze, silver and gold - designed to improve environmental performance and embed sustainable behaviours.
Once all actions for a certification level are completed, labs submit their workbook and undergo a review. Successful labs receive an official LEAF certificate.
LEAF also enables labs to showcase bespoke sustainability initiatives and estimate their impact using built-in savings calculators.
Throughout the process, lab users are supported by NTU LEAF Administrators -trained lab technicians and sustainability professionals who coordinate LEAF activity across NTU schools.
Working with laboratory suppliers
Sustainability is embedded into NTU’s lab procurement from the outset. All laboratory suppliers undergo a comprehensive tender process, which includes weighted sustainability criteria alongside other key considerations. This ensures NTU partners with suppliers who align with our values and operational needs.
We continue to engage with suppliers on collaborative sustainability initiatives throughout our contracts with them. We’ve recently updated the online marketplace that NTU uses for procurement of consumables and equipment. The platform now features sustainability tags for lab products and suppliers, enabling lab users to make more informed purchasing decisions.
This enhancement has been initially delivered in collaboration with NTU’s top three lab suppliers, who have worked closely with us to share sustainability data aligned with our institutional priorities.
Sustainable design is at the heart of NTU’s new tissue culture labs. As part of the Sustainable Labs Initiative, this case study showcases how energy-efficient equipment, smart design, and sustainable procurement have helped the NTU labs achieve Gold LEAF certification, supporting both teaching and sustainability goals. Video produced by NTU student Kayla Mclean.
Spotlight on SST Stores
The SST Stores on Clifton Campus play a vital role in supporting sustainability efforts across NTU laboratories.
As a central resource hub, Stores stocks over 750 lab consumable products, manages goods inward, and hosts a wide range of specialist waste streams, helping to improve recycling rates and reduce waste sent to landfill.
Waste streams supported by SST Stores include:
- Clinical waste
- Pharmaceutical waste
- Sharps bins
- Confidential waste
- Hazardous waste
- Solvent waste
In addition, Stores has introduced non-standard recycling options tailored to laboratory-specific waste types, such as:
- Winchester amber 2.5L glass waste for recycling
- Polystyrene chill boxes – returned to suppliers for re-use
- Autoclaved Starlab and Sarstedt tip boxes
- Soft plastics for recycling
- Nitrile gloves for recycling
Through its services, SST Stores strengthens NTU’s commitment to sustainable lab practices by enabling responsible purchasing and waste management.
How to get involved
For more information on sustainable lab practices at NTU, or for questions on how to take part in LEAF, please contact sustainablelabs@ntu.ac.uk
You can also contact the Sustainability Team for more info at sustainability@ntu.ac.uk