Our progress
We regularly measure our progress and achievements against our sustainability targets and against the seven principles that make up our Climate Plan. Our sustainability targets are driven by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all and which are intrinsic to our University strategies.
Our annual reporting demonstrates how working collaboratively has embedded sustainability as a core value of the University and how we address global grand challenges by taking responsibility for our economic, cultural, social and environmental impacts.
Our University strategy sets out outcome-based, values-driven KPIs including making a positive difference in the world and delivering environmental sustainability. For 2021/22 onwards, the University has adopted an integrated reporting framework which reports against these KPIs alongside highlighting some of the research, projects and successes that have taken place over the year. This integrated report includes detailed reporting on sustainability and social impact. We also publish an annual Sustainability highlights report highlighting additional sustainability KPIs and performance metrics.
Our Climate Plan sets out how we will tackle climate change as a University, including delivering net zero emissions by 2030, providing a sustainable curriculum and supporting a net zero city. We regularly report progress against the seven principles, that make up our Climate Plan including an annual Climate Plan report. This annual report is scrutinised by a Research Partnership Committee led by the Priestley International Centre for Climate, who also publish a review of our direction and performance.
Previous reports
View our previous Annual Sustainability Reports:
- Annual Sustainability Report 2020-21 (PDF)
- Annual Sustainability Report 2018-2020 (PDF)
- Annual Sustainability Report 2017-18 (PDF)
- Annual Sustainability Report 2016-17 (PDF)
- Annual Sustainability Report 15-16 (PDF)
- Annual report open data 2015-2018 (Excel)
If you would like a copy of any of our reports in an accessible format please contact us: sustainability@leeds.ac.uk
News
Bodington Fields Natural Flood Management Site Completed
The official launch of a natural flood management site on Bodington Fields took place on 19th May. Located at the Brownlee Triathlon Centre in north Leeds, the site is the first of its kind in the UK. It will reduce flood risk in the area and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. Councillor...
The Big Plastic Count at Leeds - let's get counting!
As part of the #2023PlasticFree pledge we’re bringing the Big Plastic Count to Leeds from Monday 16 May. Get ready, get set, go - let’s get counting single use plastics together! We’re working to eliminate single use plastic items from University of Leeds and Leeds University Union (LUU) operations as part of our #2023PlasticFree...
Climate Plan Student Challenge 2022
Do you have an idea that can address climate change at the University of Leeds? Take part in the Climate Plan Student Challenge! What is the Climate Plan Student Challenge? The University of Leeds Climate Plan sets out how the University will play a part in the global efforts to tackle the climate crisis,...
Blogs
The Big Plastic Count on Campus - what happens next?
In May 2022 the Big Plastic Count came to the University of Leeds, and we asked students and staff to report the single-use plastic that...
Behind the scenes at the 2022 Student Sustainability Research Conference
The 2022 Student Sustainability Research Conference was a great success! Student Sustainability Architect Eleanor shares her reflections on this year’s conference. If you missed the...
Meet the LUBS Student Sustainability Architects
Leeds University Business School (LUBS) are making significant impact in driving sustainability across the school. As part of their LUBS Blueprint plan they recruited no...
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work as the Sustainability Service is linked to all of the SDGs.
Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.