Policies, standards and governance

Sustainability is embedded within the core values of the University of Leeds, and this is supported by high level commitment. 

To support the delivery of the sustainability commitments in the University Strategy and Sustainability Strategy we have a set of clear and actionable plans, standards, policies and processes. 

Environmental Policy 

Our Environmental Policy sets out how we will manage our responsibilities to protect the environment and prevent pollution. This is supported by a set of standards and procedures which can be found in our Environmental Management System, alongside policies in areas such as Health and Safety Services and Human Resources. 

Fairtrade Policy 

Our Fairtrade Policy sets out our commitments to supporting Fairtrade.  

At the University of Leeds, we have been supporting and selling Fairtrade products since 2003, and have maintained Fairtrade status since 2005, achieving 2 star status in 2022. 

Overall responsibility for Sustainability remains with the Vice-Chancellor, who along with the University Executive Group, reports to University Council.  

Sustainability is embedded within the University strategy and Enabling Strategy, and is sponsored through the University Executive Group via the Chief Operating Officer, Rachel Brealey, in addition to a number of other senior leaders and academics. 

The Climate Plan is sponsored by the Principal Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hai-Sui Yu, who chairs the Climate Principles Programme Board.  

The Head of Sustainability leads the sustainability team in delivering against University sustainability objectives, and reports through the Director of Campus Innovation and Development Ann Allen, to the Chief Operating Officer. 

Students and staff have an integral role in developing and delivering against our sustainability objectives. Both University Council and the Climate Principles Programme Board include student representation in their membership, alongside other decision making bodies such as the Net Zero Delivery Working Group. The Sustainability Service maintain strong working relationships with student representatives including the Leeds University Union executive, and also provide a range of opportunities for staff and students to be directly involved in the delivery of sustainability initiatives, including through our student and staff sustainability architect programmes.