WCID’s Agilent Measurement Suite nets top sustainability award
White City Innovation District’s Agilent Measurement Suite (AMS) has been awarded Gold Award Accreditation in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework in recognition of its commitment to sustainability. The AMS is a flagship facility within Imperial’s Molecular Sciences Research Hub in White City Innovation District, bringing together the capabilities of technology leader Agilent with Imperial’s Department of Chemistry’s expertise in analytical and measurement science to tackle a range of challenges in human, plant, animal and environmental health.
The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) is an environmental accreditation scheme that aims to improve laboratory sustainability within higher education teaching and research. The goal of the project is to reduce carbon footprints and improve sustainability of individual labs – from reducing costs, energy and water consumption, to minimising carbon emissions and plastic waste. Today, over 85 global institutions and 1600 labs are actively participating in LEAF.
Gold accreditation is only awarded to laboratories that can demonstrate that they have achieved the very highest level of efficiency. Laboratories must meet 48 distinct sustainability criteria, including promoting greener travel for laboratory users and increasing facility recycling rates.
“The Department of Chemistry is proud to be leading in this initiative and the AMS is now the fourth group within the Department to obtain Gold LEAF status,” commented Dr Trevor Ferris, the Departmental Research Facilities Manager at Imperial’s Department of Chemistry.
Dr Ferris highlighted the laboratory’s success in improving users’ awareness of sustainability through initiatives such as implementing clear signage, guidance and tips around the AMS and providing dedicated training.
SMALL CHANGES MAKE BIG SUSTAINABILITY DIFFERENCE
Offering state-of-the-art equipment, the AMS provides unrivalled capabilities for researchers at Imperial and beyond to apply the latest measurement technologies to research. Essential scientific research can be energy and resource-intensive, with laboratories generating around an estimated 2 per cent of the world’s plastic waste, and using three to 10 times more energy than a typical office.
Improving laboratory efficiency sits within Imperial’s Sustainability Strategy, which has at its heart the goal of transitioning to a sustainable and net zero carbon institution by 2040. The strategic framework spans three core themes: resource management; academic excellence; and engagement with Imperial’s key stakeholders.
