At the MRC Toxicology Unit, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact and are continually working to improve our operational standards and research efficiency.
As part of the University of Cambridge, we support University-wide initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, protect the environment, and embed sustainability across operations. This includes commitments to reduce energy-related emissions to absolute zero carbon by no later than 2048, for 75% of staff to commute by sustainable modes of travel, and to send zero waste to landfill via non-hazardous and chemical hazardous waste contracts.
As well as following University policy we are also taking action from the ground up, led by our Environmental Sustainability Committee. Since December 2025, we have introduced recycling of ice packs and non-hazardous nitrile gloves. The gloves are collected for specialist recycling and repurposed into products such as furniture and construction materials. Research groups in the Unit have also consolidated samples to reduce the footprint of cold storage, and ultralow temperature freezers have been reviewed and set to -70°C wherever feasible to reduce energy consumption. Beyond the laboratory, we are developing an in-house sustainable travel programme for staff and students.
Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF)
Our efforts were recently recognised by the Silver LEAF award. This accreditation was given to the MRC Toxicology Unit, comprising our Science Facilities and the following research groups:
- Willis Group, LEAF champion Alex Fulton
- Sawarkar Group, LEAF champion Anfas Muhammed
- MacFarlane Group, LEAF champion Andrew Craxton
- Thaventhiran Group, LEAF champion Martin O’Reilly
- Patil Group, LEAF champion Rob Bradley
This innovative scheme, developed by University College London (UCL), is designed to drive improvements in laboratory efficiency and sustainability. This is increasingly becoming a requirement for many grant applications. There are 85 institutions taking part globally, including the University of Cambridge.
The LEAF programme supports those working in and managing laboratories through guidance and criteria, providing a clear framework for planning our next improvements. The scheme covers several key areas, including:
- People
- Research quality
- Sample and chemical management
- Equipment
- Ventilation
- Waste
Our sustainability strategy going forward is to build on our achievements so far, aiming to strengthen and consistently embed lower environmental impact practices across all areas of the Unit.
