We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of research while maintaining the highest standards of scientific quality and integrity.
Labs across our core footprints have been accredittated for their exemplary actions undertaken to improve the sustainability practices as part of the laboratory efficiency assessment framework (LEAF).
Laboratory Efficiency Action Framework (LEAF)
Established by University College London (UCL), the Laboratory Efficiency Action Framework (LEAF) is a certification for environmental sustainability of laboratories. LEAF supports those working in and managing laboratories to reduce environmental impacts through a set of guided criteria. It provides guidance and criteria to help you to make impactful actions that support environmental sustainability in your laboratories. It is used by over 100 public sector research organisations, many of which are universities and research institutes in the UK.
LEAF accreditation status within the Department of Medicine (updated 27 Jan 2026):
| Institute | Status |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID) | Silver |
| The Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute (VPD-HLRI) | Silver |
| Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) | Silver |
| The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) | Gold |
Meet our Silver accreditated labs
This is a real testament to the dedication of our teams who've been working hard to make our laboratories more sustainable. From smarter energy and water use to better waste management, this recognition reflects the practical changes we've been embedding across our research spaces.
This achievement fits into the University's wider ambition to become an environmentally sustainable institution – reducing our carbon footprint, championing sustainable research practices, and using resources more responsibly across Cambridge.
But we see this as a stepping stone rather than a finish line. We're committed to continuing this journey, always looking for new ideas and sharing what works so we can keep improving our environmental performance. It's about doing our bit for the planet while staying true to what we do best: translating world-class research into real interventions that improve health and wellbeing for people everywhere.
Kristian Cressy, Business and Operations Manager, Head of Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge
Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice
In November 2024, the University became a signatory to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice. The Concordat is a commitment and shared ambition to embed environmental sustainability in research practice, culture, and approach throughout the signed organisations, and collectively as a sector.
You can read about Cambridge’s approach to academic environmental sustainability on our Climate and Nature page, and operational environmental sustainability on the Environmental Sustainability website.
Visit our intranet site for more information on our department's sustainable practices
