Climate Plan Update:

March to May 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 March to May 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 thirteenth 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

• Initiated a mid-point strategic review of the net zero programme to assess progress and inform future decision making.
• Commenced detailed designs for the Worsley building and Engineering cluster projects.
• Finalised the switch-off of two end-of-life gas fired CHP (combined heat and power) engines within the Generating Station Complex.
• Approved a trial of smart energy management approaches to inform future projects, alongside a study assessing opportunities for a range of interventions to optimise energy efficiency on campus.
• Commissioned a market analysis report to look at options in the energy sector to support the procurement of green energy, following the withdrawal of our preferred PPA partner.
• Completed a Living Lab funding call, with 23 applications received from across the University currently being assessed. 
• Begun work to develop our scope 3 supply chain emissions reduction strategy.
• Developed initial principles for to inform our approach to balancing emissions, and initiated wider engagement to inform and shape these.

Upcoming plans

• Complete the mid-point strategic review and begin to implement the resulting actions.
• Complete detailed designs for the Worsley building and Engineering cluster projects.
• Develop tender for on-campus renewable energy through solar PV.
• Complete procurement for smart energy trials across campus.
• Finalise scope 3 supply chain emissions reduction strategy ready to take through internal approval processes.
• Develop a wider engagement programme to inform and develop our approach to balancing emissions.
• Confirm the projects awarded funding from the Living Lab funding call.

University greenhouse gas emissions

To account for the time required to receive validated energy use data, this update reports on estate-based emissions for November 2024 to January 2025.

The figures include scope 1 and 2 emissions, excluding vehicle fuel, agricultural emissions and the escape of greenhouse gases from air conditioning units. It also includes the emissions associated with the energy used in leased buildings within the University's control, which were previously reported within our scope 1 and 2 emissions but have been reclassified as 'scope 3 downstream leased assets' in our greenhouse gas inventory.

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 (2023/24): 14,052 tCO2e.   

This year (2024/25): 12,197 tCO2e. 

Difference: 13.2% decrease.