Climate Plan Update:

September to November 2025

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

This quarterly update sets out the progress made from September to November 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, alongside key updates on the University website.

This is the fifteenth 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

• Engaged with key partners to begin development of our updated net zero pathway, building on the mid-point review. 
• Commenced final detailed design stages (RIBA stage 4) for the Worsley and Engineering Cluster projects.  
• Appointed a contractor to install solar PV on the Worsley building. 
• Begun smart energy trials at key locations on campus.  
• Approved funding for the installation of Living Lab monitoring equipment at Gair Wood. 
• Appointed a Project Manager and Engineer to develop feasibility work for renewable energy generation at the University Farm. 
• Completed a draft emissions reduction strategy and action plan for our supply chain and resources, and begun sharing with stakeholders for feedback.  

Upcoming plans

• Finalise 2024/25 greenhouse gas emissions reporting across all scopes. 
• Communicate with staff and students to support energy saving initiatives over the winter break. 
• Begin installation of solar PV on Worsley building. 
• Continue development of RIBA stage 4 designs for projects at the Worsley building and Engineering cluster. 
• Procure and plan the installation of Living Lab monitoring equipment at Gair Wood. 
• Continue smart energy trials and collate learnings for further rollout. 
• Complete development of the supply chain and resource emissions reduction strategy and action plan. 
• Develop initial guidance for balancing emissions and begin engagement with staff and students. 
• Continue to engage with key partners including Priestley International Centre for Climate to develop updated net zero pathway.

University greenhouse gas emissions

To account for the time required to receive validated energy use data, this update reports on estate-based emissions for May to July 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): 8,201 tCO2e.   

This year (2024/25): 7,066 tCO2e. 

Difference: 13.8% decrease.  

Note that these calculations use the latest available carbon conversion factors for 2024/25. Emissions data in previous reports will also be updated to reflect the new carbon factors. 

This preliminary emissions data is subject to change. For full, final emissions data, view our most recent annual greenhouse gas emissions report.