The University of Leeds has announced a significant step in its Climate Plan by seeking a strategic delivery partner to help achieve net zero emissions by 2030. The university’s commitment to energy reduction and decarbonization is part of a broader initiative to embrace sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint.

A Strategic Pathway to Net Zero

The University of Leeds has identified a pathway to net zero, focusing on a blended approach that combines demand reduction, decarbonization, enhanced operating changes, and behavioral change. This multifaceted strategy aims to maximize the available budget, reduce operational impact, and de-risk delivery.

In November 2021, the University Council approved the Pathway to Net Zero 2030, a key commitment of the Climate Plan and one of the University’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The estimated spend for this commitment ranges from £40 to £100 million.

Seeking a Strategic Partner

The University is actively looking to engage a Net Zero programme or project strategic delivery partner. This partner will work closely with the university to deliver the program, supporting, coordinating, and delivering the construction elements of the plan.

The partnership will leverage market-leading expertise, minimize campus disruption through better coordination of works, enable learning while delivering, retain accumulated knowledge, and share risks.

Scope of Work

The program includes existing building upgrades, new build energy centers, large-scale low carbon technology provision, and aging infrastructure or asset replacement works. These deliveries will be supported by projects such as increasing electricity capacity on campus and investing in large-scale renewable energy generation away from the campus.

The program will be divided into phases, with Phase 1 planned for completion by the end of 2028. Phase 2 will commence later but run concurrently to Phase 1, focusing on the remaining emissions reductions.

Embracing Sustainability

This partnership reflects the University of Leeds’ commitment to sustainability and its leadership in the global effort to combat climate change. By seeking a strategic partner with the expertise and vision to support its ambitious target, the University is positioning itself at the forefront of the transition to a greener future.