Colleague Action
Colleague action
Join us in practising and promoting sustainability across our campus.
In light of the climate emergency, action needs to happen across every level of the University. We all need to do our bit for the place in which we live and work.
Colleague induction
If you're a new staff member, find out more about sustainability by attending a Staff Welcome Event. The welcome events provide an overview of the University's functions and objectives. They are presented by the Vice-Chancellor or Pro Vice-Chancellor (in absence of the VC).
Sustainability progress is an integral feature of the presentation at these events. Members of the Sustainability Team attend or upload virtual content each even to give more information. You can view the Staff Welcome Event Presentation from the last event in June 2022 and book your place at the Staff Induction Pages (University login required).
Get involved
Below are some ways you can actively get involved in increasing sustainability at the University.
LEAF
LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) was designed to improve the sustainability of laboratories. The online platform has actions for lab users to complete relating to waste, travel, energy, water and more. Rationale and guidance are available for all actions.
LEAF was developed and is managed by UCL, and Newcastle University is now offering this scheme to our colleagues working in practical spaces.
Martin Farley, Sustainable Labs Adviser at UCL, says about the framework:
“Lab sustainability has been on the agenda for some time and carbon targets are frequently set out. But what’s currently missing are the operational standards and guidance on how to actually get there. We use the same health and safety standard everywhere, so it makes sense to use a sustainability standard as well. That’s the thinking behind LEAF, and to make that process as user-friendly as possible.”
Read the full article here.
The framework’s actions are designed for ‘wet labs’, but there are actions that can be completed by other types of laboratory or practical workspace.
Lab Groups work through Bronze, Silver and Gold criteria, only progressing to the next level when they’ve finished the previous level. Lab Group progress will be assessed by the Sustainability Team at regular intervals and certification awarded when levels have been completed.
When you register, you'll create your Lab Group or join an existing Lab Group (contact sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk if you cannot find your work area when you join LEAF). You will also be added to the 'LEAF @ NU' Microsoft Team.
Please read through the detailed LEAF User Guide (Word: 2,458 KB)!
Recognition
The first laboratories who have achieved Bronze and Silver awards were recognised at the Environment Awards in June 2022.
Action 2030
Action 2030 is a way to is a way to learn more about and take climate action by joining a community of like-minded people, spreading the sustainability message into your part of the University and doing more good things collectively to have a big impact!
2030 is the year we are aiming for net-zero carbon dioxide emissions, and you can help us get there.
Action 2030 is currently on hold while we improve the scheme.
