Delivering net zero

We are investing in a programme to drive energy efficiency, transform our campus infrastructure and decarbonise our heating systems.  Alongside this we are building collaborative approaches to tackling emissions from our supply chain, resource use and travel.

We are working towards a science aligned net zero by 2045, made up of deep reductions across all emissions sources with limited balancing of residual emissions. This target is supported with five-yearly interim milestones to guide our progress. 

Our pathway and targets are under regular review in collaboration with the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures to ensure they remain both credible and deliverable, respond to the changing external environment, and embrace new opportunities.

The Delivering Net Zero Principle is sponsored by Rachel Brealey, the University’s Chief Operating Officer and Net Zero Sponsor.

The work of the principle is supported by a range of working groups and governance groups that report into the Climate Principles Programme Board. 

We publish quarterly updates on progress within the net zero principle, including the latest quarterly estate-based emissions. An annual review of progress on our Climate Plan, including our net zero pathway, is reported on by the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures. We also report our greenhouse gas emissions annually. These can all be found within the net zero reporting hub. (opens new tab) 

Delivering our ambitious targets will require collaboration and ingenuity from across our University community. Everyone has a role to play.

You can support our pathway to net zero in lots of different ways – by thinking about how you travel to campus and on business, reducing the energy you use at work, making the most out of the resources that we have and choosing low carbon alternatives such as reusable lab supplies or plant based food. Find out more about reducing your environmental impact.

Students and staff can access further information and discussion channels relating to the Climate Plan, including the delivering net zero principle, on the Climate Plan Sharepoint Hub. You can also contribute your thoughts on our pathway through drop in events on campus and online, the annual review of progress led by the Priestley Centre, or by emailing climateprinciplesprogrammeleeds.ac.uk. If you are a student, you can speak directly to your LUU exec committee and sustainability reps, whose help to represent the views of students.

If you are a member of staff then join our Sustainability Community on Teams, consider becoming a Sustainability Architect or setting up a Blueprint within your team, school or service. For those working in laboratories, we also have a Sustainable Labs network and you can work towards LEAF certification for your labs.