Policies and standards

Biodiversity Standard

This defines the requirements and principles for managing and improving biodiversity at the University. Download the Biodiversity Standard (PDF).

Biodiversity Baseline Report

This report, completed in establishes a comprehensive biodiversity baseline across all University-managed sites. Download here (PDF).

Procedure for supporting Peregrine presence and interaction at the University of Leeds

This procedure outlines how we will coordinate activities in support of nesting peregrine falcons at the University of Leeds. Download here (PDF).

Tree Removal and Replacement  Procedure

This outlines the procedure to be followed to minimise the environmental impacts of any tree removal that is necessary. Download the Tree removal and replacement procedure

Sustainable Construction Procedure

This outlines our approach to managing construction projects. Download the Sustainable Construction Procedure (PDF).

Sustainable Construction Standard (large projects)

This details additional specific requirements for projects with a value greater than £2m. Download the Sustainable Construction Standard for large projects (PDF).

Please note that this document was initially intended to be replaced in 2020. This deadline has been extended, therefore this document is still current.

Sustainable Construction Standard (medium sized projects)

This details additional specific requirements for projects between £100k and £2m. Download the Sustainable Construction Standard for medium sized projects (PDF).

Construction and Maintenance Reuse, Recycling and Waste Procedure

This outlines how the University will manage waste from our construction projects. Download the Construction and Maintenance Reuse, Recycling and Waste Procedure (PDF).

Building a Safe Environment

This outlines Safety, health and environmental requirements for contractors. Download Building a Safe Environment (PDF).

Sustainable Procurement  Standard

This outlines our approach to embedding sustainability within procurement. Download the Sustainable Procurement  Standard (PDF).

Sustainable procurement (contracted goods and services) procedure

This details processes to embed sustainability with procurement of contracted goods and services. Download the Sustainable procurement (contracted goods and services) procedure (PDF).

Sustainable Food Standard

This defines the requirements and principles for managing and improving sustainable catering at the University. Download the Sustainable Food Standard (PDF).

Energy Efficient Equipment Purchasing Procedure

This outlines the steps that must be taken when purchasing any new equipment as part of new build or refurbishment projects, in order to ensure that new equipment meets our energy efficiency requirements. Download the Energy Efficient Equipment Purchasing Procedure (PDF).

Vehicle Purchase Procedure

This outlines the steps that must be taken when the university purchases any motor vehicle, and helps to ensure that we fulfil our legal obligations in this area. Download the Vehicle Purchase Procedure (PDF).

Travel Plan

This outlines the university’s commitments to changing behaviour, operations and infrastructural developments towards more sustainable modes of travel, by staff, students and visitors to the university. Download the Travel Plan (PDF). From 2022, our approach to travel has been integrated into the Sustainable Travel principle of the University Climate Plan.

Vehicle Purchase Procedure

This outlines the steps that must be taken when the university purchases any motor vehicle, and helps to ensure that we fulfil our legal obligations in this area. Download the Vehicle Purchase Procedure (PDF).

Electric Vehicle Charging Point (EVCP) Fair Use Guidance

This outlines provisions for the fair use of and access to the University’s EVCP network. Download the EVCP Fair Use Policy (PDF).

Reuse, Recycling and Waste  Standard

This explains the principles that must be adopted in order to manage the sustainability risks associated with resource use and the final disposal of resources by the University. It also sets out the requirements for managing waste & recycling at the University. Download the Reuse, Recycling & Waste Standard (PDF).

Storage and disposal of fluorescent lighting procedure

Download the Storage and disposal of fluorescent lighting procedure (PDF).

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment procedure

Download the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment procedure (PDF).

Construction and Maintenance Reuse, Recycling and Waste Procedure

Download the Construction and Maintenance Reuse, Recycling and Waste Procedure (PDF).

Procedure for Disposal of Substances to University Drainage Systems

This Procedure explains what type of waste substances can and cannot be disposed into the University’s drainage system. No waste can be disposed of via the drains unless we know that it will not harm or damage people, the environment, the sewerage systems or those that work in them.
Download the Procedure for Disposal of Substances to University Drainage Systems (PDF)

Reuse, Recycling and Waste Guide

This provides a guide to easily find out which route a particular material type should follow and how to achieve this. Read the Recycling Guide. 

Single-Use Plastics Management Standard

This standard sets out how we can avoid purchasing and using single-use plastics on campus.

Download the Single-Use Plastics Management Standard (PDF).

Climate Plan

This maps out how the University will deliver key commitments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting a net zero city, delivering sustainable travel, enabling responsible investment, shaping institutional decision-making, reorienting research and teaching and providing a sustainable curriculum.

Read more on the Climate Plan. 

Carbon Management

Read the Carbon Reduction Plan (pdf)

Environmental Management

Our Environmental Management System (EMS) is externally certified to ISO 14001: 2015, view our certificate (PDF) and supports our Environmental Policy (PDF). 

Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedure

This describes how the University will identify potential environmental emergencies, as well as the steps that would be taken if one was to occur. Download the Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedure (PDF).

Environmental Corrective & Preventive Action Procedure

This defines who has responsibility and authority for ensuring environmental observations, non-conformances or incidents are addressed and that appropriate corrective and preventive action is taken as needed. Download the Environmental Corrective & Preventive Action Procedure (PDF).

Oil delivery, storage and transfer guide

This provides information on managing the environmental risks associated with oil delivery, storage and transfer. Download the Oil delivery, storage and transfer guide (PDF).

Socially Responsible Investment Policy

This outlines the University's approach to investment, in line with the Climate Plan 'enabling responsible investment' principle. Download the Socially Responsible Investment Policy

Fairtrade Policy

Our Fairtrade Policy sets out our commitments to supporting Fairtrade. Download the Fairtrade Policy. To find out more see our page on Fair Trade at the University of Leeds.

Vacancy advertising policy

This is designed to ensure organisations that want to advertise opportunities to our students are aware of and adhere to our terms and conditions when using our online job portal. Read the Vacancy Advertising Policy

Community Noise Procedure

The purpose of this is to ensure that any noise generated by the University through our events is properly managed to minimise the impact on the local community. Download the Community Noise Procedure (PDF).