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.
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 Highlights Report 2021-22
- 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
2022-23 News
Moving out campaign supports local community
Items donated by students during the recent tenancy changeover period in inner north West Leeds have benefitted local organisations and charities across the area. In June, a total of 924 bags of donations were collected, split between blue bag doorstep collections and British Heart Foundation donation banks across the area. 332 people made use of...
University of Leeds shortlisted for four Green Gown Awards
The University of Leeds are finalists in the 2023 UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards, after being shortlisted for four awards. The shortlisted projects are Gair Wood, Student Engagement through Residential Services and the Student Sustainability Research Conference, as well as PhD student Hazel Mooney being shortlisted for the student impact award. The Green Gown...
Bodington Fields hosts rescued crayfish
Endangered white clawed crayfish have found a safe haven in the pond at Bodington Fields natural flood management site, following the threat of crayfish plague in Meanwood Beck. Rare white clawed crayfish are the UK's only native, freshwater crayfish, and play an important role in our waterways. Historically they were common in Yorkshire, but populations...
2022-23 Blogs
Designing a Forest Garden with Brudenell Primary School
Hi, my name’s Julie and I am a Student Sustainability Architect with a project focused on coordinating gardening projects both on campus and in the...
Planning a Swap Shop during Climate Week 2023
Hello everyone! I’m Arica, a Student Sustainability Architect working on circular economy projects on campus. One of my highlights from this role has been organising...
Communicating climate change through interactive art
Gabi Kiryluk, Digital Media student, recently completed her final year research project which utilised digital media to explore how artwork can provide more visceral experiences...
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.