Climate Plan Update:

December 2024 to February 2025

The University of Leeds Climate Plan sets out how we will support climate change mitigation and adaptation up to 2030, while also contributing to a healthier, greener and fairer place to live, work and study. 

This quarterly update sets out the progress made from December 2024 to February 2025 towards the climate principle ‘Delivering Net Zero’.

Progress on all seven principles will be reported annually in the Climate Plan progress report. Regular updates to our University community will be available throughout the year through the Climate Plan Sharepoint hub, alongide key updates on the University website.

This is the twelfth report to update the University community on progress made since the Climate Plan and Pathway to Net Zero was approved by our Council in November 2021. See our previous reports on our Climate Plan reporting page.

For further information on our Climate Plan, visit our Climate Plan Spotlight article, which links to our Pathway to Net Zero Emissions report. You can also explore our Net Zero Delivery Plan which outlines the key infrastructure projects to reduce emissions on our estate.

Work completed

• Awarded construction partner contract to Vinci, a tier 1 company who will lead on detailed designs and construction of the phase 1 major capital projects (Worsley Building and Engineering Cluster).  
• Placed an order with Northern Powergrid (NPG) for the required additional electricity capacity to campus to deliver our electrification plans.  
• Undertook a review of lessons learnt after our preferred renewable energy generator withdrew from Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contract discussions following increased costs that meant their project was no longer viable. 
• Completed early design works for decarbonisation initiatives at the Generating Station Complex (GSC).  
• Workshop held with academics and professional staff to discuss balancing emissions to support the development of balancing emissions principles for the University. 
• Completed trial of hybrid reporting approach for scope 3 emissions designed to improve accuracy of supply chain emissions reporting. 
• Completed Christmas shutdown campaign activities, with initial analysis showing a 25% reduction in energy use during the closure period.  
• Published a ‘Good Housekeeping Guide’ to encourage energy conscious behaviours across the University beyond the Christmas period. 

Upcoming plans

• Work with Vinci to commence detailed designs (RIBA stage 3) for phase 1 capital projects including the Worsley Building and Engineering Cluster. 
• Undertake a mid-point strategic review of the net zero programme to ensure that we are on track and to inform future decision making. 
• Agree a new strategy to take forward the generation of renewable energy following market changes and withdrawal of preferred supplier. 
• Take forward a revised solar PV business case for approval.  
• Commission a study on optimising energy efficiency across the campus, considering interventions including smart energy systems, heat and battery storage, dynamic load management and behaviour change.  
• Develop future strategy for scope 3 supply chain emissions including an expansion of hybrid reporting approach and supplier engagement. 

University greenhouse gas emissions

To account for the time required to receive validated energy use data, this update reports on Scope 1 and 2 emissions for August to October 2024, excluding vehicles, agricultural emissions and the escape of greenhouse gases from air conditioning units.  

Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as natural gas used in our boilers. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions, generated from purchased energy.  

Figures represent tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.  

Previous year (2022/23): 9,335 tCO2e.   

This year (2023/24): 8,794 tCO2e. 

Difference: 5.8% decrease.