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Sustainable Travel

The Achieving Sustainable Travel principle of our Climate Plan sets out targets to maintain business travel and commuting emissions at 50% of their 2018/19 baseline level.

Business travel, staff and student commuting are all included in our net zero target and were responsible for 20,090 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions in our baseline year. Business travel alone – such as travel to conferences, for research and on field trips - was responsible for 13,427 tonnes CO2e.

Commuting emissions are calculated annually through our Staff and Student Travel Survey. For the first time in 2023 we will be calculating an estimate of emissions associated with travel between students’ homes and the University at the start and end of term (including international students’ travel to and from their home country).

The Sustainable Travel Steering Group is responsible for delivering the sustainable travel commitments in our Climate Plan. In order to achieve our targets we will need to work closely with the wider city and consider how we can support our staff and students to adopt more sustainable, low emission transport whilst balancing our commitments to deliver academic excellence and a just transition.

Read more about our sustainable travel commitments in the University Climate Plan. Students and staff can also access more information and discussion channels in the Climate Plan Sharepoint Hub.

How to get around sustainably

Active travel

Learn more about how you can walk, cycle or run to campus.

Public transport

The University is really well connected by various bus routes and with Leeds train station within easy reach.

Traveling by car

We have a number of initiatives for those wanting to reduce the negative impacts of driving.

Business travel

Business travel is a significant contributor to emissions. Read our interim travel guidance to support sustainable decision making for business travel.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our sustainable travel work is linked to the following SDGs:

  • Goal 3: Good health and well-being
  • Goal 4: Quality education
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.

United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and well-beingUnited Nation Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality educationUnited Nation Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructureUnited Nation Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communitiesUnited Nation Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate actionUnited Nation Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals