Reflecting on the 2025 Sustainability Celebration
On 3 July 2025, the University of Leeds’ Sustainability Service hosted its annual Sustainability Celebration: an event recognising the contributions of staff and local community organisations who are driving sustainability forward across campus and beyond.
Each year, this event brings our community together to celebrate progress, share stories, and spotlight the positive impact of individuals and teams working towards a more sustainable future.
A rundown of the event
This year’s event was held at Stage@Leeds. This venue was especially fitting for the Celebration given the School of Performance and Cultural Industries’ incredible sustainability work and commitment to the Blueprint programme.
The event began with thought-provoking speeches from senior leaders including Thom Cooper (Head of Sustainability) and Steve Ansell (Artistic Director for Stage@Leeds and PCI’s sustainability lead). They each reflected on what the University has achieved in the past year, and highlighted the inspiring collaboration between staff, students and local partners that is driving meaningful progress.
An engaging panel discussion followed that explored what success in sustainability looks like. The event was chaired by the Sustainability Service’s Sustainable Travel Lead Hannah Kettle-Pettavel, who was joined by the following panel members:
- Dr Robin Hayward, Communications and Engagement Officer for Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere, and Forest (LEAF) group in the School of Earth and Environment
- Jordan Liburd, Research Technician in the Faculty of Biological Sciences
- Jamie Saye, Executive Director of Sustainable Arts in Leeds (SAIL), external to the University
The panel shared diverse perspectives on what sustainability achievements look like in their fields, the importance of celebrating sustainability wins, how to ensure successes are inclusive, and advice for others committed to sustainability.
Jamie reminded us how "small consistent action in collaboration is a movement". And, regarding implementing sustainable change, Jamie also said “don't be scared and don't ask for permission”. When asked how to encourage others to make sustainable change, a simple takeaway from Jordan was to “make it convenient, make it easy” and to make sustainable choice a straightforward one. Robin advised how “if you have time, take the time to do things properly” when planning sustainability initiatives.
Rob Wadsworth (Director of Campus Innovation) then hosted a stirring awards presentation. After receiving 58 nominations across multiple categories, the Sustainability Service selected 6 winners based off approach and impact. Details about the award winners can be found below. A huge thank you goes to the School of Design for creating our wonderful awards.
Following on from this was a poignant musical performance. We were delighted to welcome Aayushi Jain, an Opera North artist in residence, to the University campus for the first time. The South Asian folk singer was joined by visual vernacular artist Adam Bassett who combined British Sign Language with theatre to add dynamic physical storytelling to Aayushi’s poignant music.
The event then concluded with a vegan buffet lunch provided by Deli(very) and the chance for colleagues to picnic together outside in the sunshine.
Spotlight on Our Award Winners
Each of our nominees demonstrate what’s possible through creativity, collaboration and commitment. You can see each nominee in this PowerPoint presentation.
After a careful judging process, 6 award winners were selected. Here is an overview of who won each category and their sustainability work.
Staff Community Collaboration Award
Winner: Residential Services and Partners – North Hill Well Wood Project
In partnership with Groundwork Yorkshire, Unite Students and Leeds Coppice Workers, Residential Services transformed an overgrown tennis court into a thriving community greenspace on Headingley Hill. With new planting, improved access, and wildlife features, the site now supports biodiversity and provides a peaceful haven for students, staff, and local residents alike. The project recently received a Wildlife Gardening Award from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Local Community Organisation Award
Winner: Pete Tatham, Director of Hyde Park Source – “Urban Co-production of Disused Land in Leeds”
Pete’s pioneering project tackled barriers faced by communities trying to access public land for sustainability initiatives. Working with Leeds City Council and University collaborators, the project explored models for shared management of public land that support inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. Through walking workshops and community engagement in Alwoodley and Seacroft, the project empowered residents to reimagine their neighbourhoods and co-design greener, more resilient spaces.
Empowering Students Award
Winner: Andrea Denny, Leeds University Business School - Oxfam Student Sustainability Business Competition
Andrea leads an annual extra-curricular competition in partnership with charity organisations. This year’s competition was in collaboration with Oxfam GB and was engaged with by over 130 students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Over five weeks, students developed solutions to real-world sustainability challenges, with feedback and support from Oxfam staff. Not only did students develop vital skills, but Oxfam also benefited from innovative ideas and analysis. This work has sparked plans for a broader, cross-disciplinary partnership in 2026.
Empowering Staff Award
Winner: Helen & Emily, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) - LICAMM Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) Action Groups
At LICAMM, Helen and Emily created and led LEAF action groups to embed sustainable lab practices. Their grassroots, inclusive approach united previously disconnected teams, transforming LICAMM into a more sustainable, collaborative, and open environment. Their leadership demonstrates how sustainability can be a catalyst for wider cultural change—and how empowered staff can drive long-term impact beyond environmental outcomes.
Campus Impact Award
Winner: IT Services Sustainability Team – “Sustainable by Design”
This volunteer-led team embedded sustainability into core IT operations, including reducing e-waste, improving data centre efficiency, and creating a voucher reuse scheme to support digital inclusion. With Student Sustainability Architects involved and sustainability integrated into procurement, planning, and staff communications, their work models how professional services can lead in achieving institutional sustainability goals and make meaningful social impact.
Significant Contribution Award
Winner: Mike Leonard
Mike’s long-standing commitment to sustainability at Leeds has made a lasting impact. Through leadership on Blueprint, championing the Student Sustainability Architect programme, and launching Wild Work Days with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Mike has helped shape a culture where environmental and social responsibility are part of everyday decision-making. His work is a wonderful example of sustained, values-led action.
What Next?
While sustainability can feel overwhelming and, at times, discouraging, this year's celebration reminded us that there is a huge community here at Leeds who care and are dedicated to making the world a better place. From labs to lecture theatres, woodlands to websites, our staff, students and partners are showing us that a sustainable future is possible.
Whether you’re part of a research team, a local organisation, or just beginning to explore how you can get involved, your actions matter. Every project, partnership, and conversation contributes to our collective impact.
We encourage all staff to:
- Join our Sustainability Community on Teams, introduce yourself, and share with the network
- Complete the sustainability training available through Minerva
- Read through one or more of our themed toolkits on the Staff intranet for ideas of large and small actions you can take
- Join our Sustainability networks such as LUNSHE (Leeds University Network for Sustainability in Higher Education)
- Consider signing up as a Staff Sustainability Architect
- Find out if your School or Service has a Blueprint team you can join. If not, get in touch with us about starting one!
- Reach out to us on [email protected] for anything else
For stories, events and inspiration:
- Follow our Intranet page
- Join our mailing list
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. The Sustainability Celebration relates to all of the SDGs.
Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.