Sustainable laboratories

Utrecht University aims to be CO₂ neutral by 2030. Laboratories play a key role in this. Research carried out in laboratories is essential for generating new knowledge and solutions for society. At the same time, laboratories consume large amounts of energy, materials and plastic. As a result, they have a relatively significant impact on the environment.

Globally, for example, laboratories account for around 2% of all plastic waste. They also often use 3 to 10 times more energy and produce 4 to 5 times more waste than an average office. This is also the case at Utrecht University. Around 40% of CO₂ emissions come directly from the laboratories. That is why Utrecht University is working towards more sustainable laboratories.

Our approach: LEAF certification

To make laboratories more sustainable, we use the LEAF programme (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework). This international programme helps laboratories to reduce their environmental impact. For example, it looks at:

  • energy consumption
  • reducing waste 
  • reusing materials 
  • working more efficiently in the lab 

Laboratories can achieve a bronze, silver or gold certificate. The more sustainable measures a lab takes, the higher the certificate. To obtain a certificate, the laboratory is also assessed via an internal audit.

The number of participating laboratories within Utrecht University is growing. More and more labs are signing up for the LEAF programme and are actively working towards achieving certification.

Listen: podcast on sustainable laboratories (in Dutch)

How can laboratories be made more sustainable without compromising the quality of research? And what is needed to make laboratories future-proof? Listen to the shortcast and discover how sustainability and cutting-edge research are increasingly going hand in hand. 

Our ambition

Utrecht University wants all laboratories to participate in the LEAF programme. Our goal is for all UU laboratories to hold a LEAF Bronze certificate by 2030. This applies to more than 70 laboratories within the following faculties:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Earth Sciences
  • Natural Sciences

Where are we now?

Several faculties are now actively working on sustainability through LEAF. Various laboratories have already achieved certification, ranging from bronze to silver. At the same time, new laboratories are joining the programme.

In addition, there is collaboration on themes that go beyond LEAF certification alone, such as the broader sustainability of processes and facilities within laboratories.

Practical examples

Concrete steps are already being taken in laboratories to work more sustainably. Here are a few examples:

  • Freezers are being set from -80°C to -70°C, which can result in energy savings of around a third. 
  • Waste separation has been improved by installing separate waste bins in laboratories. 
  • Energy consumption, equipment and material usage are being critically reviewed to work more efficiently. 

These measures demonstrate that sustainability and high-quality research can go hand in hand.

Want to get involved or find out more?

Are you a researcher or staff member interested in working on sustainable laboratories, or would you like to find out more about LEAF? You can find further information and the contact details of the relevant contacts for each faculty on the Utrecht University intranet page (Solis ID required).