Climate Plan Update:

September to November 2024

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 September to November 2024 towards the climate principle ‘Delivering Net Zero by 2030’.

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 eleventh 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

• Progressed the tender for a construction partner to deliver detailed designs on the Worsley Building and Engineering Cluster projects, as part of our phase 1 delivery of the Net Zero Delivery Plan.   
• Received a quote from Northern Powergrid (NPG) for the additional electricity capacity required to deliver our net zero plans, and initiated approval processes.  
• Completed the tender for offsite renewable energy generation and agreed a preferred energy generator.    
• Completed analysis on the outcome of geothermal drilling on campus, which has shown positive results that will be used to inform design for the Engineering Cluster projects. 

Upcoming plans

• Appoint and begin the onboarding of a new construction delivery partner to take forward detailed designs and plans on capital projects, specifically for the Worsley Building and Engineering Cluster.  
• Place order with Northern Powergrid (NPG) for the additional electricity supply required to deliver our net zero plans.  
• Take forward and agree a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with preferred energy generator. 
• Progress ‘switch off’ energy saving measures over the Christmas closure period.  
• Complete trial of hybrid reporting approach for scope 3 emissions designed to improve accuracy of supply chain emissions reporting. 
• Hold a workshop to inform the development of strategy for our approach to balancing remaining emissions.  

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 May to July 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): 9,623 tCO2e.  

This year (2023/24): 8,201 tCO2e.

Difference: 15% decrease.