University of Leeds Annual Sustainability Report 2016/17 Introduction

Contents

04 The University of Leeds in 2050

Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 06 Q&A with Dr Louise Ellis, Director of Sustainability POSITIVE 07 What’s in this report?

08 Theme – Embedding sustainability through collaboration CHANGE FOR Leading the way in innovative approaches to embedding sustainability across the University. 12 Theme – Building knowledge and capacity A SUSTAINABLE As a university, building the knowledge and capacity of our students and staff INNOVATIVE, and wider community is key to how FUTURE we become more sustainable. IMPACTFUL,

16 Living Lab Where ideas and collaboration thrive, INTELLIGENT We will become a university where where integration of sustainability enhances the value of the campus, student sustainability is truly embedded through education, research and innovation. The University of Leeds has once again proved 02 knowledge, engagement, collaboration and its commitment to a sustainable future through a 03 whole series of activities, innovations, research and innovation. Each and every one of our staff 20 Theme – Being a positive partner in society policies. There have been some challenges – political We have always been proud of our and students will understand the principles place in this city, and we’re continually uncertainties and a growing campus – but sustainability exploring opportunities to work with local has remained a key priority for us throughout. of sustainability – it will be an integral part of communities, organisations and partners. I am particularly proud of the fact that, through continuing 24 Theme – Making the most of resources our operations and will bring about positive, The University of Leeds is getting bigger. to integrate sustainability into our curriculum, we are sustainable change for the future. With these new developments comes graduating students who are responsible global citizens. the challenge of meeting our carbon, As a University, we have an important role to increase water and resource reduction targets. knowledge and opportunity for the benefit of society. Our graduates are testament to this; they understand global

28 Our performance challenges, and are eager to be part of the solutions. 32 What’s in store for 2017/18 I am looking forward to yet another year of challenging ourselves, and others, to be more sustainable. Another year of innovation, behaviour change, outstanding research and collaboration to ensure the University of Leeds plays a leading role in building a sustainable future.

sustainability.leeds.ac.uk — Alan Langlands sustainability.leeds.ac.uk @UoL_Sus Vice Chancellor, University of Leeds

/UoLSustainability @UoL_Sus sustainability.leeds.ac.uk The University of Leeds in 2050

WHAT DOES OUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE UNIVERSITY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE? Here we outline the characteristics we will have, the ways we will work, and the priorities we will focus on: Annual Sustainability report 2016/17

Our education is All of our excellent and is students know accessible to all. and understand We have an We will increase THE UNIVERSITY sustainability. open, accessible the recruitment and campus that is success of high quality interconnected students regardless OF LEEDS IN with the city. of background. Our campus is a test bed for We’re a new ideas and zero carbon, an exemplar zero waste of sustainable institution. design.

04 05

Our supply Sharing space, 2050 chain is sustainable equipment, skills Our Sustainability Strategy sets out the commitments we and we continuously and knowledge strive for further OUR VISION across the have made to 2020. But we know that a longer term vision improvement and institution is innovation. FOR A SUSTAINABLE is vital; a sustainable future for all requires a change in UNIVERSITY IN the norm. behaviour and a combined effort forever. 2050 That’s why we’re thinking way beyond As a result of this global outlook, we 2020 to our vision for a sustainable are also ensuring that our vision and Our research university in 2050. commitments contribute to the United addresses the Challenging the Nations’ Sustainability Development grand challenges Our vision has been created for the status quo and Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals to of sustainability University of Leeds by the University making a real end poverty, protect the planet and and is accessible difference are community. But we don’t exist in ensure prosperity for all. Throughout to all. the norm. isolation; we take a wider view of the report, we have linked the everything we do, from the effects on relevant UN SDGs to our four themes our local communities to the impact to demonstrate how our approach on the world. aligns with this wider set of global We are an commitments. equitable and We’re an open employer that inspiration in the creates opportunities city and our campus across the spectrum and culture are used of our activities. as a blueprint for other organisations to follow.

All staff have sustainability.leeds.ac.uk the capacity and Partnership and knowledge to collaboration, make sustainable globally and decisions and locally, are at this is the norm. our heart. sustainability.leeds.ac.uk What’s in this report? sustainability.leeds.ac.uk 07 MATERIALITY The themes set out in our Sustainability and subsequent Annual Reports, Strategy, reflect the economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts of the University of Leeds. Our targets and commitments reflect the issues that we know we can have a direct and indirect impact upon – our material topics that have, or can create, a real difference. Although some of these will have a financial impact, our materiality goes beyond that to environmental, social and cultural impacts. ranging why you’ll find commitments That’s from carbon reduction and resource efficiency to research and volunteering. determine these materiality issues, To we engaged with our staff and students. together we determined the Working actions and commitments we could make to bring about the most impact across the university and beyond to local, national and international communities. These are reviewed regularly to ensure we stay relevant, impactful and able to make a significant difference. Reflecting these commitments, our Annual Reflecting these commitments, our Annual Report is a total impact report – a more holistic appraisal of our social, environmental, economic demonstrate our and cultural impacts. To total value, our report is full of case studies, commitments, progress, facts and figures. these tell the story of the amazing Together work we are doing to become an even more by no means an It’s sustainable university. exhaustive record of all the initiatives and but projects we’ve devised or been involved in, up it provides a great overview of what we’re the to, how sustainability is embedded across and our ambitions for the future. University, an honest reflection of where it’s Critically, we are. Across the University of Leeds, we’ve had some brilliant achievements and even but exceeded our own targets in some areas; stretch we’ve also struggled to meet some of the commitments we gave ourselves. This Annual Report is a chance to both share our progress and take stock internally as to what we need to prioritise in the future to become the leading sustainable university we know we can be. Annual Report is Once again, this year’s structured under the four themes that we set out in our Sustainability Strategy: Embedding sustainability through collaboration; Building knowledge and capacity; Being a positive partner in society; and Making the most of resources. As a university, our core purpose is to increase increase is to purpose our core university, As a of for the betterment and opportunity knowledge firm commitments we have made do this, To society. and environmental economic, social, to take our seriously. responsibilities cultural WHAT’S IN THISREPORT? You can discover You more about this report and year’s sustainability at the University of Leeds online: sustainability. leeds.ac.uk there yet, to play.” in the have a part need for a not We’re I believe sustainable society. and we all completely How much can people make a difference? How much can people make a difference? Or is it all about technology? Do you benchmark yourself against other universities? in the environment – both In an ever-changing university sector and beyond – what drives you? Targets have been missed in some areas, why is this? have been missed in some areas, why Targets Technology plays a huge part, but people Technology make a difference in all kinds of ways. From the way we commute to the research topics we choose, our approach to sustainability is about individual actions and community impact. can and you do look at the rest of our sector, We see how we’re doing on page 28 of this report! performing incredibly useful to see how we’re It’s against others in the same position, but it doesn’t drive our approach. Our vision and materiality uniquely Leeds It’s assessment inform our strategy. and we’re proud of our achievements so far. in sustainability in an organisation that is Working fundamentally based on principles of sustainability is a good place to be, and there are three key One, I believe things that drive me personally. completely in the need for a sustainable society. not there yet… and we all have a part to We’re universities have an important role in Two, play. They are based on social responsibility society. and social good and these are intrinsically linked And three, we have an amazing to sustainability. team in the Sustainability Service and get to work with really engaged people across the University. for granted. something I will never take And that’s In our Sustainability Strategy we set ourselves In our Sustainability Strategy we set ourselves going to be stretch commitments, which were always a number there are challenging to meet. However, of reasons why we have missed some of these. were The physical changes we’ve seen on campus initial not always known or accounted for in our encouraging that sustainability has targets, but it’s the way been integrated into these. In some cases, we collect data has changed, which has affected results. For example, we now measure carbon inputs associated with our generating station as shift, rather than outputs. It may seem like a small – figures. but it generates higher – yet more honest

A A A A Q Q Q Q

You’ve been the Director of Sustainability since You’ve 2012. What changes have you seen in that time? What has been the biggest achievement this year? Is sustainability at Leeds all about what happens on campus? The environment in which we operate has one. Brexit for undergone huge changes. Take that a different place. But against The world’s emphasis also been an increasing backdrop, there’s on interdisciplinary work that addresses global challenges. Our commitment to sustainability has always been high, and we have never wavered from that. If anything, we’re even more committed. It’s not a single project or piece of research, not a single project or piece of research, It’s and the fact we’ve maintained the breadth it’s It shows real commitment depth of activity. that there are so many different aspects of and sustainability going on across the University, that we continue to be bold and challenging. We take our responsibility to our local communities take We really seriously and we aim to have a positive an impact beyond our campus. This can be the economic benefit through employment at the University; environmental impact, such as way we travel and operate; and a social impact through our programmes to bring equal educational see it very much as our opportunities to all. We civic duty to be an active partner within Leeds – and we work closely with Leeds City Council and third sector organisations to do just that. and Sustainability addresses global challenges, their impact on the local level and beyond. That’s in vital that we are an active member why it’s our local, national and global communities. What happens on our campus is really important, but What happens on our campus is really important, here. It’s sustainability isn’t just about what happens how they about our students, staff and visitors and and interact with what we’re doing, our initiatives campus. research. It doesn’t stop when we step off Dr Dr Ellis Louise

— Director of Sustainability

WITH Q&A

A A A Q Q Q

sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 report Sustainability Annual 06 sustainability.leeds.ac.uk 08 Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 across thewholeUniversity. We willembed sustainability COMMITMENTS OUR COLLABORATION THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY EMBEDDING

proactive collaborativenetworks. We willcreate andsupport management systems. We willdevelop robust sure thateveryonehastheopportunitytoplaytheirpart. Services, lookingatsustainabilityasawholemaking embedding sustainabilityinourSchools,Facultiesand of Leedsisleadingthewayininnovativeapproachesto In theexamplesthatfollow, weshowhowthe University individuals tomakeadifferenceintheirfields. – arenowinfluencingdecisionmakingandallowing 14001, ourprocurementandconstructionstandards University. Theseachievements–includingISO to makesustainabilityareality, rightacrossthe systems, policiesandreportingstructuresinplace focused onmakingsurewehadthemanagement In theyearfollowingourSustainabilityStrategy, we at theheartofourInstitution. drive sustainabilityandplaceit accountability structuresthat We willestablish governanceand (EW), we have decided to focus on embedded (EW), wehavedecidedtofocusonembedded existing suppliers through the EW framework. existing suppliersthroughtheEWframework. To getthemostvaluefromElectronicsWatch stage. There was only one new tender during stage. Therewasonlyonenewtenderduring this period, and we continued to monitor our this period,andwecontinuedtomonitorour EW contractual requirements at the tender EW contractualrequirementsatthetender Number ofITsuppliers teams are now looking for something teams arenowlookingforsomething different to challenge them. In 17/18 different tochallengethem.In17/18 Due to the number of years we have Due tothenumberofyearswehave sustainability events DEVELOPMENT GOALS LINKED SUSTAINABILITY we will be looking at alternatives. we willbelookingatalternatives. Electronics Watch been running Green Impact our been runningGreenImpactour engaged through Framework Level people attending Impact Teams to ISO14001 Accreditation RESULTS active Green Governance 4 Achieved Number of Number of Completed Flexible Review OUR

ACHIEVED ACHIEVED ACHIEVED 3,099 RESULTS 15/16 37 3 TARGET EXCEEDED

TARGET HIT TARGET /RESULTS 16/17 MAINTAIN MAINTAIN MAINTAIN 3,409

45 5 TARGET MISSED MAINTAINED MAINTAINED MAINTAINED 7,402 40 4 PROJECTS: 25 5 BLUEPRINT 18 TEAMS + 18 TEAMS+ NUMBER OF NUMBER OF LIVING LAB MAINTAIN MAINTAIN 3,409 TARGET 17/18 5

09 sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Embedding sustainability through collaboration through sustainability Embedding They are directly supporting three projects It all came about when the University’s Leeds Embedding sustainibility through collaboration LOCAL PRINTING, in line with the Sustainability Strategy: Ecosystem Atmosphere & Forest (LEAF) Centre GLOBAL IMPACTS was looking to pilot a natural capital project, and Developing a Sustainability Volunteers programme the Facilities Directorate was looking to develop its Gloria Koepke and Mumo Mutulili have scoped out understanding of natural capital in operational decision the opportunities that volunteers can get involved with making and deliver the Biodiversity Action Plan. We throughout the year. They developed a new online developed the iTree project, gained match-funding from Switching to 100% recycled paper, reducing carbon space for people to register to volunteer along with the United Bank of Carbon and worked alongside our and preserving ecologically important rainforest are dedicated social media pages where volunteers could Estates Services, to make sure they were on board and just some of the things that our in-house printers have interact and share opportunities and experiences. would benefit from the results. been up to this year. The Print & Copy Bureau (PCB) They also handled the logistics of recording At the heart of the project is a survey of all the trees on Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 is the University’s in-house printing, copying and volunteers’ experiences to better tailor opportunities our campus – recording species, height, canopy cover, mailing service for both staff and students. PCB offers to students’ skills and interests. All of this work has condition and health. We held training sessions with digital and litho printing and had made the switch to laid the foundations for an official Sustainability Treeconomics, the leading organisation in measuring recycled papers back in 2008 – but it couldn’t be used Volunteers Programme and increased the number of and valuing the benefit of urban trees, to make sure on the existing digital printing equipment. So when the volunteers who are engaged in sustainability topics. staff and student volunteers were fully armed with the digital equipment was coming up for renewal in 2017, Extending knowledge and equipment they needed. iTREES IN it was the perfect opportunity for Chris Askew from Increasing student understanding of sustainability PCB to research the capabilities of new machines. the Student within the curriculum and research To date, over 800 trees have been surveyed, NUMBERS Matthew Morton and Emma Weaver focused on raising representing 105 different species. This is about 75% As part of this process, PCB, machine manufacturer Sustainability awareness of how students can embed sustainability of the trees on campus, and we’re continuing to survey Ricoh UK, and paper merchant Denmaur Independent into their studies. Specifically, this meant mapping “I successfully encouraged our the remaining 25% to provide a complete set of results. Papers successfully carried out the world’s first Architects dissertation proposal deadlines across schools so that All of the data collected is being fed into i-Tree Eco, TREES official test to digitally print using toner on Revive University’s cafés and Refectory to other the Sustainability Service could allocate resources a software suite specifically created to determine the 100% Recycled Carbon Balanced Art Papers. It and engage with as many students as possible. They to partner with an app called value of urban trees and we’ll use this insight to write a was a success, and means that PCB can now print services has were also involved in organising the University’s report and devise recommendations for the University, all litho and digital work on recycled paper, which SPECIES inaugural Student Sustainability Conference (see ‘Too Good To Go’, selling fresh academic papers, seminars, and a Living Lab case equates to around 800,000 sheets of A3 every year. proved to be ‘Building Knowledge and Commitment’ for more), leftovers at half the original price. study. When the data has been analysed, it will This is a great example of how everyone at the a real success and creating a special recognition award for provide us with financial values for carbon storage and University of Leeds is involved in the sustainability and we’re dissertations at the annual Sustainability Awards, The results have been astonishing... sequestration, pollution removal, runoff avoided and UNIVERSITY STAFF agenda, how individual teams are working within which highlighted not only the most innovative and saving 840 meals from being energy services that the trees on campus provide. the policies we’ve created, and how we can devise original ideas, but also captured the breadth of working with Plans are already coming together for the second innovative, sustainable solutions with global impacts. sustainability research from across our faculties... wasted, equivalent to 797kg of other teams phase of the iTree project, working with students from STUDENT VOLUNTEERS Increasing ethical procurement and Fairtrade CO2 or 71 days of electricity use the Centre for Doctoral Training in Bioenergy to focus to create awareness across the University on understanding the benefits and losses of removing As we continue to embed sustainability into all of our in one household!” and replacing trees, researching staff and student 10 PARTNERS 11 INCREASING ENGAGEMENT opportunities schools, departments and services, this year has seen perspectives of campus green spaces, and providing in other areas. the architects working across not just the Sustainability – Vaishnavi Maganti, Student Sustainability Architect recommendations to our operational teams. Service but the University Catering Services too. Two Ultimately, the iTree project helps us to meet our architects – Opemiposi Adegbulu and George Middlemiss Biodiversity Standard and deliver our Biodiversity Action – carried out a campus-wide audit of our food and drink Our Student Sustainability Architects are part of a Plan to improve the way we manage green space. It’s outlets, recording the number and type of Fairtrade unique programme to increase student involvement in also a scalable project, making it a perfect project to trial products available. The results were used to identify any sustainability activities and provide the opportunities BRILLIANT across the city with Leeds City Council, starting with the gaps where we could offer more options and led to a for them to lead on key initiatives that reach out BIODIVERSITY Leeds Forest Observatory in Middleton Park. to staff and students across the University. The trial of eight new Fairtrade products. They also ran an students benefit from year-long, in-depth, paid work awareness campaign around the University’s commitment experience. They are embedded in the Sustainability to Fairtrade, organised events as part of Fairtrade Fortnight Service, developing their knowledge and skills You can discover and a lively debate discussing ‘How fair is Fairtrade?’ and enhancing knowledge and capacity at the more about this Extending the Student Sustainability Architects to other The iTree project is part of the Living Lab, where University. The chance to be a Student Sustainability year’s report and services has proved to be a real success and we’re working we’re using the University as a test bed for research Architects is just one part of our student opportunities sustainability at with other teams to create opportunities in other areas. and innovation. The project aims to calculate the package, and provides us with a direct connection the University of environmental and economic value of trees on campus, to the student body, their opinions and priorities. Leeds online: increase staff and student understanding of these benefits, and provide information to influence decision- This year, there are six Student Sustainability sustainability. making around new developments. Architects in part-time paid positions. leeds.ac.uk

“We identified over 100 different tree species on campus – hopefully Enjoyed reading Leeds The University of Leeds’ Staff winner: Calling all @UniversityLeeds Uni first sustainability new MSc Sustainable Cities Re-use at teaching staff! The nationwide #SDGTeachIn is our work quantifying the report - important programme is helping students St Marks Residences taking place next week (19th - 23rd) led by benefits they bring will sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Unis take a lead transition towards a more eco- Student winner: @NUS_sustainable. Take the pledge to include help protect them.” Ravi Toor @uol_sus @TheEAUC friendly world. @EnvLeeds the Sustainable Development Goals within your Team winner: @Study_INTNL #StudyAbroad teaching or assessments. @UniLeedsStaff Dr Catherine Scott, iTrees/biodiversity Mike Barry Olivia Miller and the (@planamikebarry) Genna Ash (@genna–ash) Cleaning Services Team Sustainability@Leeds (@UoL_Sus) 2016/17 SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Building knowledge and capacity As a university, building the knowledge and capacity EXCEEDED HIT MISSED of our students and staff, as well as with the city and TARGET TARGET TARGET BUILDING wider society, is key to how we help build a sustainable society. Through teaching, research, facilities, OUR 15/16 16/17 17/18 partnerships and volunteering we have both local and RESULTS TARGET / RESULTS TARGET KNOWLEDGE global impact, and we develop, share and promote RESULTS AND sustainability across our campus, city and beyond. Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 Number of students completing 5,600 5,768 5,700 5,768 CAPACITY sustainability modules Although the overall target was missed, an increase was seen. We are looking into the way we communicate sustainability module options to students.

Number of modules relating 163 MAINTAIN 244 MAINTAIN to sustainability

Number of student hours spent on 1,019 1120.9 3,985 1,500 sustainability initiatives

12 Staff training 13 hours 582 873 5 31.5 600 completed We actually saw a decrease in staff hours completed. This was due to the delayed launch of online training.

Research MAINTAIN Income (£) 49.8M 50M+ 243M* *Data changed to live grants

Webpage MAINTAIN views 77,684 90,459 80,000

OUR COMMITMENTS LINKED SUSTAINABILITY We will work across University We will equip all our staff with We will develop external We will support and promote We will integrate sustainability departments to build capacity sustainability skills. links to enhance knowledge research that examines the into learning programmes DEVELOPMENT GOALS sustainability.leeds.ac.uk and share best practice on and capacity. issues relating to sustainability. and ensure all our students sustainable change. understand the importance of sustainability. sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Building knowledge and capacity workshops in May to help with these decisions. We were The new training Our aim is that It currently has 187 members from eight faculties, SUSTAINABILITY IN able to advise students on how to connect their area module was released SUSTAINABILITY three Chairs, 22 University Academic Fellows and THE CURRICULUM of study with other disciplines, explain the potential of in August 2017, with IN FOCUS all students will an interdisciplinary doctoral programme. A recent sustainability research and inspire them to use their an initial uptake graduate from study into climate change study across the University dissertation as a way to create solutions. It was also a found that over 170 academics are currently of 373 staff. change to challenge students to critically evaluate and the University of working on climate change, with 197 active research question the current thinking on sustainability, how it Every single one awards raising £65 million in grant income. Our aim is that all students will graduate from the fundamentally affects global challenges, and provide the In February 2017, we held the inaugural Student Leeds knowing made a personal Alongside the Priestley Centre, the Priestley Society University of Leeds knowing what sustainability is. A key space to challenge the direction of their own research. Conference on Sustainable Futures – Sustainable commitment to make what sustainability has been set up to create and support collaborations part of this is integrating sustainability into the curriculum, This directly feeds into our commitment to support and Perspectives on Future Challenges. Forty-five a positive change. between researchers through social events, giving all students the opportunity to study and to gain promote research that examines the issues relating undergraduate and postgraduate students presented is and their role seminars, training and development opportunities. Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 experience of developing sustainable solutions. The to sustainability. their research to over 100 delegates on a whole range of in it. A key part Sustainability Service works in collaboration with academic topics from the potential of solar energy for communities It’s a great example of the Leeds Way, a holistic, colleagues to develop focused teaching experiences that And to recognise excellence in dissertations, we also in developing countries of Africa, investigating the social of this integrating inclusive and proactive approach to sustainability. provide sustainability knowledge and make it relevant added a Sustainability Dissertation Award in the Building impact of permaculture demonstration projects and to real world settings. There are lots of examples of this Knowledge and Capacity category of our annual extinction risk in the marine realm to an eco-friendly sustainability into integration, here we outline some of the highlights… Sustainability Awards. In 2017, the award went to James app to extend the life of clothes and investigating the curriculum, Patrick Glover-Ochiltree from the School of Earth and sustainability disclosure in Ugandan print media. The Creating Sustainable Futures Discovery Theme – Environment for his dissertation: Realising the Benefits; an giving all students available to all students, whatever their discipline – ran investigation into how social accounting mechanisms can There was a real buzz on the day, with an exhibition, twice during this academic year. The modules in this help community-led renewable energy projects (CLREPs) performance art session and chances to exchange the opportunity SUSTAINABILITY theme allow students to really get stuck into the challenges to better evaluate, measure and profess their success. ideas, ask questions and gain valuable insight into to study and IN PRACTICE facing local and global society; the environmental, social what’s going on across the University. The conference and economic issues that shape our world, and what we drew representation from all faculties at the University, be involved in can do to manage these. promoting the interdisciplinary approach and collaboration sustainability. we believe in. By bringing this next generation of This year, the projects looked at everything from assessing researchers and innovators together, we hope to kickstart In last year’s Annual Report we said that we wanted to our bicycle storage capacities and accessibility, to gaining the creation of new solutions for a sustainable future. develop a full staff training programme to underpin our a better understanding of people’s perceptions of the vision that all staff will understand what sustainability University’s impacts on society. Some of the key findings means and how it is related to the University. included the fact that 47% of the 269 teaching and communal spaces assessed had lights on when not in Our training module – Sustainability in Practice – does just use, 50% of people asked understood the importance that. Available to all University of Leeds staff, the course of Fairtrade, and 89% of people surveyed believed the FACING THE CHALLENGE explores what sustainability is, why it is important and University’s research was having a significant positive what part everyone can play to make sure the University impact. The data collected is a great source of information “We use the Sustainability OF CLIMATE CHANGE has a positive environmental, social and economic impact. for the Sustainability Service too, and is fed into University- The course is available both online and face-to- 14 wide reports and audits. Strategy to help staff to bring face and examines a whole range of scenarios. 15 This year, sustainability was the focus of the assignment aspects of sustainability into And the focus on sustainability doesn’t stop when project for Masters students taking the Commercial and At the University of Leeds we’re proactive in tackling the course is over – at the end of the module Professional Skills module at Leeds University Business their specialist teaching modules. global challenges head on. We challenge the every participant is asked to suggest a personal School. Students took on the role of internal consultants, These modules are open to all status quo and promote working across disciplines commitment that can contribute to positive change. tasked with reviewing student and staff awareness of to find innovative solutions to global challenges. students through the Discovery The new training module was released in August sustainability initiatives here at the University, and coming And the newly launched Priestley International 2017, with an initial uptake of 373 staff. Although this up with recommendations to increase awareness and get Theme of Creating Sustainable Centre for Climate is a great example of this. represents only 5% of all staff, every single one made more people involved in sustainability activities. a personal commitment to make a positive change, so Futures. In this way, we reach The Centre is dedicated to improving our understanding Over in the School of Medicine, we ran a two-week of fundamental climate science, developing strategies it’s a great start. We also fell a little under our target of Sustainability in Healthcare RESS Special Studies Project. students right across the University, to reduce and mitigate climate change and its 582 staff training hours, with 531 hours completed. These projects allow 2nd and 3rd year students to develop impacts, and supporting society, ecosystems and You can discover This was an optimistic target, somewhat hampered by specialist knowledge and understanding of the research giving them knowledge and skills infrastructure in adapting to our changing climate. more about this the delay in rolling out the online training. However, process. The Sustainability in Healthcare module outlined to improve sustainability issues in Priestley Centre researchers are a fascinating mix year’s report and we’re continually working on increasing the uptake and what sustainability is, why it’s important, and how they can of palaeontologists, geochemists, volcanologists sustainability at creating more in-depth training to help staff embed utilise what they have learnt in their future careers. their own profession and lifestyles.” and climate modellers. Together they are leading the University of sustainability into everyday working practices. international efforts to better understand the past Leeds online: When it comes to dissertations, we understand that there – William Young – Inst Co-Director of SRI; in a way that helps us to predict future climate. is a whole world of subjects, issues and approaches Professor of Sustainability and Business sustainability. for our students to tackle. We held pop-up dissertation leeds.ac.uk

“Sustainability is important to me and here at the University Our cities need to be agile, Fantastic day at Uni of Leeds Staff winner: Great #UoLSSC18 conference today - well done adaptable and connected to the Sustainability Conference with The Priestley International to Josh and the excellent @UoL_Sus team. of Leeds it is inspiring and larger global eco-systems. Leeds some eye opening research. I’ll Centre for Climate I enjoyed learning so much just from the poster encouraging to see the ongoing sustainability.leeds.ac.uk should make bold decisions. definitely be changing my ways Student winner: display... over a vegan lunch. I had no idea commitment to knowledge James Patrick @UoL_Sus #FOILeeds #UoLSSC18 @UoL_Sus about Shelley and Vegetarianism! Glover-Ochiltree building initiatives.” Leeds University Business School Cormac Trigg (@CormacTrigg) StewRossLeeds (@StewRossLeeds) — Amy Parsons, student (@LeedsUniBSchool) 2016/17 SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Leeds Living Lab Launched this year, the Living Lab is an exciting University-wide programme that WHERE uses our University as a test-bed for the co-creation of sustainable solutions. It Students IDEAS AND Universityrelies on collaboration between students, Professional staff academic and operational staff. Health COLLABORATION as a testbed Academic Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 Wellbeing staff sing the niversity + Collaboration Interdisciplinary THRIVE of eeds campus as a testbed for research with impact, delivering Local Campus sustainable groups solutions. Global Breaking institutional boundaries and bringing together all areas Leeds challenges of teaching, research and City Co-creation Global AccessibleAccessible niversity operations. Council Working together to City Inﬂuence develop, research and Inﬂuence trial sustainable, Leadership Leadership Collaboration innovative solutions, at Social CollaborationCollaboration Continual an organisational scale. improvement sciences STEM Scalable & transferable A moreA more sustainablesustainable Leeds Arts University Leeds Building 16 mpacts are scalable and University 17 Living EnhancingEnhancingEnhancing Sustainable knowledge & transferable to other Living the organisations and to cities, the the Creating a learning loop to drive operations capacity addressing our global LabLab environmentenvironmentenvironment continual, sustainable improvement Open to explore challenges such as climate, StartedStarted at the niversity and beyond. culture and energy, in the May 2017 Where May 2017 Where Learning LivingLabScape and internationally. knowledgeknowledge PartnershipPartnership grows grows Research Awareness impact Seedcorn Research iTree eeds Campus Survey is an Outreach excellent example of collaborative funding working to enhance understanding Delivering A virtuous cycle of and create real change between the acilities Directorate, aculty of Providing seedcorn and match sustainabilityrelated results People InfrastructureInfrastructure research, student nvironment, eeds4Trees and our funding for interdisciplinary People staff and student volunteers. A WHOLE WORLD OF research proects and education and niversity SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS supporting students to deliver Delivering mutual benefit to operational change their innovative proects all stakeholders urthering ProcessesProcesses driving continual and research and driving EngagementEngagement sustainable improvement. innovation. Delivering benefits for all our The critical outcome for all the pilot projects in the testing and delivery are all undertaken by the project stakeholders, through Living Lab is the fact that they produce innovative and team, with results shared beyond the University research, innovation and transformational solutions to real world problems, and that to provide the evidence for real change. those solutions are scalable and transferable beyond the sustainable improvements. University. From climate change research and inspiring sustainability.leeds.ac.uk behaviour change to enhancing biodiversity, the Living Lab opens the door to a whole world of sustainable solutions.

As an educational institution, the Living Lab is You can apply to the Living Lab at any time encouraging us to think and operate differently; to by completing the application form online: take the theory from the classroom and apply it to real world situations. Funding, feasibility, research, sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/the-living-lab sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Leeds Living Lab WHERE Students IDEAS AND University Professional staff Health COLLABORATION as a testbed Academic Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 Wellbeing staff sing the niversity + Collaboration Interdisciplinary THRIVE of eeds campus as a testbed for research with impact, delivering Local Campus sustainable groups solutions. Global Breaking institutional boundaries and bringing together all areas Leeds challenges of teaching, research and City Co-creation Global Accessible niversity operations. Council Working together to City develop, research and Inﬂuence trial sustainable, Leadership innovative solutions, at Social Collaboration Continual an organisational scale. improvement sciences STEM Scalable & transferable A more sustainable Arts Leeds Building 16 mpacts are scalable and University 19 transferable to other Living Enhancing Sustainable knowledge & organisations and to cities, the Creating a learning loop to drive operations capacity addressing our global Lab environment continual, sustainable improvement challenges such as climate, Started at the niversity and beyond. culture and energy, in the May 2017 Where Learning LivingLabScape and internationally. knowledge Partnership grows Research Awareness impact Seedcorn Research iTree eeds Campus Survey is an Outreach excellent example of collaborative funding working to enhance understanding Delivering A virtuous cycle of and create real change between the acilities Directorate, aculty of Providing seedcorn and match sustainabilityrelated results Infrastructure research, student nvironment, eeds4Trees and our funding for interdisciplinary People staff and student volunteers. A WHOLE WORLD OF research proects and education and niversity SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS supporting students to deliver Delivering mutual benefit to operational change their innovative proects all stakeholders urthering Processes driving continual and research and driving Engagement sustainable improvement. innovation. Delivering benefits for all our The critical outcome for all the pilot projects in the testing and delivery are all undertaken by the project stakeholders, through Living Lab is the fact that they produce innovative and team, with results shared beyond the university research, innovation and transformational solutions to real world problems, and that to provide the evidence for real change. those solutions are scalable and transferrable to the city sustainable improvements. and beyond. From climate change research and inspiring sustainability.leeds.ac.uk behaviour change to enhancing biodiversity, the Living Lab opens the door to a whole world of sustainable solutions.

research is accessible. research isaccessible. from othersandensureour share bestpractice,learn We willlead byexample,

in creating opportunities. in creatingopportunities. employer, goodneighbourand to societyseriously, asan We willtake ourresponsibility play inasustainablefuture. creating trulyglobalcitizenswhounderstandtheroletheycan It’s somethingweencourageallourstaffandstudentstodo– challenges theyhaveandworkingtogethertorespondthem. the perfectopportunitytolearnfromthem,understanding Working withlocal,nationalandinternationalpartnersprovides But it’s notjustaboutsharingourownknowledgeandskills. beyond ourcampus. to influencingsustainabilityandhavingapositiveimpact the CityRegion.We existinaglobalsocietyandarecommitted organisations andpartners.Thesepartnershipsoftengobeyond continually exploringopportunitiestoworklocalcommunities, environmental andculturalresponsibilitiesseriouslywe’re have madeafirmcommitmenttotakeoureconomic,social, knowledge andopportunityforthebettermentofsociety. We At theUniversityofLeedsourcorepurposeistoincrease locally andglobally. an activepartofsociety, both to beresponsiblecitizensand We willsupport ourstudents vibrant campus. culturally andenvironmentally We willcreate awelcoming, DEVELOPMENT GOALS LINKED SUSTAINABILITY We were close to last years target, We wereclosetolastyearstarget, our communications and support our communicationsandsupport in the coming year we will review in thecomingyearwewillreview citizenship project Household visits of Educational within student public events organisations to students in this area. to studentsinthisarea. Beneficiaries RESULTS Engagement Attendees at Volunteering worked with Third sector on campus Number of Mentoring Students activity OUR hours

119,785 61,299 RESULTS 15/16 1,800 3,848 180 364 TARGET EXCEEDED

TARGET HIT TARGET /RESULTS 16/17 INCREASE INCREASE MAINTAIN MAINTAIN INCREASE 1,890 500 200

TARGET MISSED

129,364 64,472 1,908 3,704 504 264 TARGET 17/18 MAINTAIN MAINTAIN MAINTAIN 2,500 750 200

Being a positive partner in society in partner positive a Being sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Being a positive partner in society “We are a very — In Wakefield, PIP matched the charity SHOWCASING THE A POSITIVE IMPACT Wakefield District Sight Aid with Katheryn RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH ON THE LOCAL small and young Watson, Research Impact Manager from Leeds organisation University Business School to help develop COMMUNITY a business plan, which resulted in an extra and it seemed £8,000 from a successful grant application.

We have some incredible research happening here at like an amazing — Three team members from the educational the University of Leeds, and it’s important to us that the opportunity to charity IntoUniversity were matched with activities and benefits are shared with the communities We have a solid civic duty to play an active part in our staff to build relationships across the of Leeds. the City, and by doing so the University of Leeds tap into expertise University and benefit from more ways for can make a lasting positive impact way beyond our us to work together in the community. Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 Our annual Be Curious event is just one of the ways we campus. Building on our Community Mentoring and get advice — A match between Ben Williams from the Research do this – a day where we open our doors for the public project, our Positive Impact Partners – or PIP – “Writing Back promotes the in areas where and Innovation Service and International Mixed to discover and join in with our research. In 2017, the programme is based on exactly that belief. Our Ability Sport has seen them expand their sporting theme was ‘Leeds and Yorkshire’, highlighting all the University’s vision of building region boasts some brilliantly active third sector, we are lacking and social inclusion activities across to Europe. ways that the University’s research is relevant to the positive partnerships by matching community and not-for-profit organisations. capacity. Our local community. students as pen pals with older, We devised PIP to link resources with local The day was filled with a programme of guided tours, need. Collaborating with third sector partners University partner exhibitions, talks, stalls and children’s activities. Yorkshire residents. Since brings together a wealth of skills, knowledge and has an extensive Parkinson Court was a hive of activity where visitors research expertise to create new projects that could explore five interactive zones: Science and 2014, Writing Back has been build capacity and create positive social change. network within the Engineering, Culture, Climate and Water, Cities, generating friendships between University that he and Health. The PIP programme is unique different age groups and Critically, PIP is open to all University staff, individuals can refer us to, Sustainability was a key theme, showcasing everything in the third sector, charitable organisations, state from how the climate of Yorkshire has changed over tackling loneliness.” funded schools and any other social-benefit should he think of the last 20,000 years and how Leeds is becoming a organisations. Working with organisations beyond others who might sustainable city to ‘Wetropolis’, a live demonstration our campus not only allows us to provide support – Dr Georgina Binnie, Writing Back showing the effects of extreme rainfall on our region. for their projects, it’s also great for staff in terms be able to help Our Be Curious events are a great way of creating of personal and professional development. in other ways. It an accessible and friendly university. They also she decided to set up the Writing Back project, so that other 1 Age UK (2016), ‘No One Should Once the partnerships have been made, the encourage education equality – showing everyone Have No One’ Available from: is amazing how people could have the same experience, while helping to Sustainability Service supports PIP partners through in the local community that we’re a friendly, https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get- tackle loneliness and social isolation in both demographics. involved/no-one/ workshops, training, networking and events. Through many chance accessible campus where they can come to engage 2 Griffin, Jo. (2010) ‘The Lonely these, partners benefit from the advice, experiences in learning and sustainability. For many people, Writing Back is an intergenerational pen pal project, matching Society?’ (Mental Health and best practice of others involved in PIP. links come up 22 they may not have considered a university career or students with elderly Leeds residents to exchange letters, Foundation) in conversation 23 education, and our Be Curious days are just one of memories, local knowledge and photographs to give the other This year, 28 third sector organisations have been the ways we can open these opportunities to all. an insight into their lives. It may seem like small act of kindness, involved in PIP. These provide a whole range that might lead but it can transform someone’s day. After all, there’s something of services including education, conservation, lovely about receiving a letter, seeing the effort that someone social services, health, culture, faith, housing and onto opportunities has put in to get in touch and share a little piece of their lives. recreation. It’s a hugely vibrant and innovative sector that is dedicated to improving the lives of and avenues TACKLING LONELINESS… Issues of loneliness and social isolation are found in both younger people in Leeds – we are proud to be is a position to explore.” and older people. In 2016, research from Age UK found that to work with them through PIP to increase their ONE LETTER AT A TIME there were 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK; capacity to do good and create sustainable futures. and a 2010 study from the Mental Health Foundation found – Jen Dyer, IMAS that 36% of 18-34-year-olds worried about feeling lonely.1 No two PIP matches are the same; the specialisms, needs and priorities of the In the words of one of the older letter writers, “The Writing You can discover organisation and our staff create unique support At a time when email and social media seem like Back project has allowed me to write to someone whom I more about this programmes that ensure everyone benefits. the primary way we get in touch with each other, would otherwise never have come across. It is interesting year’s report and our Writing Back project is bucking that trend. to exchange letters with a much younger person, to hear sustainability at Here are just three examples of PIP in action: her views, discover her interests and share topics of ‘written the University of It’s the brainchild of Dr Georgina Binnie, who conversation’ without necessarily having met one another”. Leeds online: remembered how great it was to receive letters from her grandmother when she was an undergraduate. To date, there have been over 280 people in the programme, sustainability. Now a research fellow at the University of Leeds, with many of them building long-lasting friendships. leeds.ac.uk

“We were pleased to be given the opportunity to assist one of our students. It was a fascinating The University of Leeds has It’s a beautiful day to see some Yr 6 collecting data, in partnership insight into what can be achieved wildlife around campus! We are on signed the Clean Air Leeds pledge demonstrating our with Leeds University & the BBC, by the collaboration of our staff and

a bird watching tour with sustainability.leeds.ac.uk commitment to improving air to provide evidence to protect trees the students together to create an @UoL_Sus and hopefully we will and help fight climate change! spot something else that tweets! quality in the city. impressive artwork, and witness the Sustainability@Leeds KESBathJuniorSchool process from the students perspective.” MEETinLEEDS at the University of (@KESBATHJunior) Leeds (@meetinleeds) (@UoL_Sus) — Taff, Cleaning Services 2016/17 SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT sustainability.leeds.ac.uk sustainability.leeds.ac.uk 24 Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 goods andservices. consumption of We willreduce our COMMITMENTS OUR RESOURCES OF MOST THE MAKING

process. process. the procurement sustainability into We willembed produce. produce. amount ofwastewe We willreduce the campus. campus. biodiversity on We willenhance we havehadsomeencouragingresultsunderthistheme. charging pointstoenhancingbiodiversityandreducingwaste, From increasingthenumberofsolarpanelsandelectricvehicle maximum valuefromthem,andconsideringwidersocialimpacts. the loop,doingmorewithresourceswehave,getting At theheartofthisthemeiscirculareconomy–closing through robustguidance,bothinternallyandforourpartners. Carbon ManagementPlanandBiodiversityAction–help Recycling andWaste Standard,SustainableConstruction to tackle,andhavingpoliciesinplace–includingourReuse, resource reductiontargets.Butthesearechallengesweready the challengeofmeetingourcarbon,water, biodiversityand The UniversityofLeedsisgettingbigger. Withthisgrowthcomes possible. and recyclewhere reduce, reuse efficiently and We willuse water emissions. emissions. and reducedcarbon energy efficiency University, through a lowcarbon We willbecome travel isthenorm. where sustainable and studentbody We willfoster astaff the carbon associated with our generating the carbonassociatedwithourgenerating that there is a need to have an revitalised that thereisaneedtohaveanrevitalised There has been a change in reporting of There hasbeenachangeinreportingof push to increase awareness in this area. push toincreaseawarenessinthisarea. continue to work in this area to identify continue toworkinthisareaidentify station. Although improvements have station. Althoughimprovementshave unavailable but we also acknowledge unavailable butwealsoacknowledge our overall 20% reduction target. We our overall20%reductiontarget.We established (tonnes) During 16/17 our reuse system was During 16/17ourreusesystemwas change onprevious LINKED SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS been made, total carbon emissions been made,totalcarbonemissions *excl. procurement decrease this was not in line with decrease thiswasnotinlinewith emission baseline Although we saw a year on year Although wesawayearon carbon emissions opportunities for improvement. opportunities forimprovement. the reusesystem Tonnage through travel (student) have increased as a result. have increasedasaresult. of sustainable of sustainable Total carbon: RESULTS reduction in travel (staff) Total water: Percentage Percentage Total waste generated year (M (tonnes) Scope 3 OUR 3 )

697,754 19,110 45,524 1,618 RESULTS 15/16 95% 73% 102 TARGET EXCEEDED

TARGET HIT 680,723 DECREASE MAINTAIN TARGET /RESULTS 16/17 107.1 MAINTAIN 44,899 74%

TARGET MISSED 697,232 48,479 18,615 1,544 60.72 75% 96% 646,723 TARGET 16/17 76% 18,615 43,616 95% 1,517 65

Making the most of resources of most the Making sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Making the most of resources BIODIVERSITY IN BALANCING AT FUMES, FANS AND DEVELOPMENT BROWNLEE CARBON PLANS

The University of Leeds has made a commitment to A recent example is a collaborative project between Alongside the new £5 million Brownlee Centre on the As part of our Carbon Management Plan, we becoming an exemplar of urban biodiversity. We’re the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council to University’s Bodington playing fields is a 1.6km cycle actively look for projects that reduce our energy delivering this though our biodiversity standard, which evaluate the many interventions that have been track. As one of the longest in the country, it’s the consumption and, in turn, our carbon emissions. recognises the value of biodiversity for wildlife, but implemented to improve recycling rates. The project perfect traffic-free cycling environment for staff,

Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 also wellbeing and health. It’s an ambitious aim, and focuses on three areas with consistently low recycling students and the wider community, and great for Fume cupboards have notoriously high energy made more challenging due to our development rates compared to Leeds as a whole: Harehills, recreation, coaching and competitions. consumption, and the fume extraction system in our programme and the land use changes this brings. Headingley and Middleton. The aim is to identify Chemistry Building was identified as something that But in order to create this public amenity, the area opportunities for future interventions and to contribute could be improved to deliver significant carbon savings. The first challenge to this aim came in 2016/17, when needed a drainage solution to cope with current to research and evidence on recycling behaviour. an existing car park was identified as the site of our new and future weather events. The initial plan was for a The system served a number of research and Nexus innovation centre. The site was home to 90 mature The research team used data from Leeds City Council standard drainage and storage tank. However, the team teaching laboratories, and each had its own fume trees. These created a covered canopy in an urban area on recycling rates, contamination of bins, recycling came up with another solution, one that would create an cupboard extraction system. These fume cupboards alongside a busy dual carriageway and formed the end quantity and rejection rates for these three areas. attractive feature on site and improve local biodiversity. discharged into one of six fume dilution systems on of a green corridor into the heart of Leeds city centre. The data was linked with other census data for socio- That solution? A balancing pond as part of a wider the roof. There was a mix of constant and variable demographics, the index of multiple deprivation and sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS). The loss of these trees was unavoidable, but it gave us volume extraction systems, consuming an estimated green and ethical attitudes data from Callcredit. The the opportunity to develop a long-term strategy to offset Balancing ponds work by controlling the flow of water 1300MWh of energy a year. These were replaced data was analysed to establish any relationships along this impact. Using a bespoke offsetting tool developed – storing floodwater and releasing it only when the risk with high efficiency fans, ventilation ducts were with intelligence from focus groups to develop a better here at the University, we made sure that 99 trees of further flooding has passed. The pond at Brownlee consolidated and an intelligent control system was understanding of recycling behaviour. Leeds City were planted as part of the landscaping work, with a has the added bonus of enhancing the environment, installed which links to the external conditions. Council and the University are now using this insight in further 173 trees planted on the wider campus. with new wildlife habitats being created as marginal and the planning of management and intervention activities. aquatic plants are added. This project relied on the University working with In addition to planting trees, we looked at wider delivery partners, staff and student lab users to landscaping to ensure an increase in biodiversity value, It’s also going to be a useful addition to our Living model fume discharge dispersal patterns. Only by this included choosing species that would provide food for Lab and an interdisciplinary space for teaching and doing this could we set discharge velocity at suitable pollinators and birds and create new areas of canopy for research. We’re installing monitoring equipment to levels to ensure that fume cupboard extracts are shelter and nesting. measure its effectiveness as a sustainable drainage discharged safely but not at excessive rates. system, along with a range of other environmental Understandably, it’s going to take many years for the indicators such as sediment, nutrients and temperature. trees to establish, and we are assessing the development And we are already starting to see the impact – monthly work on a regular basis to make sure the loss is properly energy use has decreased by almost 50,000kWh, 26 mitigated and enhanced. But in the long-term the planting with annual savings of around 600,000kWh. This 27 will mean many more trees on campus, strengthening has resulted in annual cost savings of over £43,000 biodiversity and providing a legacy for future generations. and carbon reduction of 242 tonnes. The success of this project means we can build the case for future energy saving projects across the University.

CITY LIVING LAB “To remain at the forefront the University is actively promoting electric vehicle technology

The City Living Lab brings together University through an expansion of the You can discover colleagues, civil society, business and charging network and we are more about this government to co-produce transformational year’s report and solutions to real-world sustainability challenges, now considering rapid sustainability at using the city of Leeds as a test-bed. chargers for the future.” the University of Our vision is a city where ideas and collaboration Leeds online: thrive, where the integration of sustainability enhances sustainability. the value of the city, and where everyone is given – Majid Khan, Support Services Manager leeds.ac.uk the knowledge and skills to be more sustainable.

“By changing to 100% recycled, How can you cut down on the amount Here at @UniversityLeeds we’re proud to support Come rain or shine DR. Bike and carbon-balanced paper, we’ve of #plastics in your home? Dr Costas the @KeepCup initiative, encouraging our staff the Sustainability Volunteers seen a key shift towards being Velis, an expert in waste and resources & students to invest & reuse! Our sustainability are on hand to show you how more sustainable here at the sustainability.leeds.ac.uk management @UniversityLeeds offers colleagues - @UoL_Sus are also currently working to safety check your bicycle some advice via @BBCLookNorth on moving to compostable cups in our outlets too #SUSITOUT! Print & Copy Bureau.” #waronwaste #lattelevy Cultural Institute Sustainability@Leeds — Chris Askew, Print Copy Bureau (@UniLeedsCulture) Great Food at Leeds (@UoL_Sus) (@GreatFoodLeeds) 2016/17 SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT sustainability.leeds.ac.uk sustainability.leeds.ac.uk 28 Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 IN THE SECTOR PERFORMANCE OUR tonnes We arenowbelowtheRussellGroupmedian. Compared toourpeergroupwehavemadeimprovementsincampusenergyconsumptionperFTE. Campus energyconsumptionperstaffandstudent(full-timeequivalent)2016/17 and changesinconstructionactivity. Lastyearweweresat10thagainstourpeers. This yearhasseenimprovementsinourcomparativewasteperformance.isduetoinitiatives Waste massperstudentandstaff(full-timeequivalent)2016/17 10000 12000 2000 4000 6000 8000 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 0 Russell Groupmedian Russell Groupmedian

Leeds 0.11 (tonnes)

Leeds 3,577kWh

Source: HESAEstatesManagementRecord16/17 collaborate andcreatewiderimpact. and we’realwayslookingforwaysto wider sector. We don’texistinisolation, gauge ourperformanceinrelationtothe in theRussellGroup.It’s importantto UK’s 24leadingresearchuniversities sustainability performanceagainstthe The UniversityofLeedsbenchmarksits Modal splitforsustainablecommutingbystaff2016/17 above theRussellGroupmedian. We haveseen anincreaseinourstaffusingsustainabletravelmodes.Asaresultthisyearwehavegonefurther We continuetoperformabovethemedian. This yearwehavemaintainedourpositioninrelationtostudentcommutingmodes. Modal splitforsustainablecommutingbystudents2016/17 100% 100% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 0% 0% Russell Groupmedian Russell Groupmedian

Leeds 95%

Leeds 77%

sustainability.leeds.ac.uk performance Our NUS verification Our performance Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION

Campus water consumption per staff and student (full-time equivalent) 2016/17 Following a verification visit, I am delighted to be able to validate the information in this report. During verification I have talked Water continues to be an area of concern. However, this year we have seen some improvement in comparison to our peers. We are moving closer to the median of the Russell Group. to various people involved in the work outlined in this report. In addition, I have reviewed the data sets which have been collected

30 to track progress against the targets outlined in the report. 3 25

30 31 20 The University should be commended on an impressive With the Sustainable Development Goals becoming

Leeds 11.54 m overall achievement. It has exceeded many of its mainstream now, it might be an opportune moment 3

m 15 own targets on increasing positive impacts, such as to look at how students could be trained on assessing the number of student hours spent on sustainability how the University is implementing them, and Russell Group median 10 initiatives (3,985 against target 1,120), and the number supporting the students to map the institution’s of modules relating to sustainability (244 against target progress in any future sustainability report. 163), whilst also achieving significant decreases in its 5 Finally, a good next step would be to research negative impacts, including a reduction in the total and celebrate the positive sustainability outcomes waste generated (1,544 tonnes against a target of 0 created by University of Leeds students, graduates 1,618 tonnes) and a reduction in carbon emissions and alumni. Many universities run sustainability (44,899 tonnes against a target of 48,479 tonnes). engagement initiatives, but I am not yet aware of any It is very reassuring to see the University investing that can attribute good sustainability leadership back so much time and effort in student and staff to competencies that students develop by engaging engagement relating to sustainability. From their in the University’s sustainability programme. staff training programme that reached 1,500 people,

delivering short talks on sustainability to thousands People & Planet Green league table of new students, and including of sustainability as — Jamie Agombar, an optional discovery module that any student can Head of Sustainability, NUS The People and Planet Green League ranks UK Universities on their environmental and social take, there is a genuine commitment to participation. justice performance. We are pleased to continue to improve our performance in the Green The institution is showing valuable leadership for the League, improving our overall placing to 16th but also to rank 2nd in the Russell Group. higher education sector through initiatives like their student sustainability research summit, their Living Lab programme, and their student sustainability

16th 2017 architects roles, all of which are novel and impactful in terms education for sustainable development. 23rd 2016 I encourage the University to continue to invest in 30th 2015 engaging and empowering students and staff on You can discover sustainability, as we know from our research that No league 2014 more about this allowing people to own a problem helps secure their sustainability.leeds.ac.uk year’s report and investment in the solution. To this end, it would be a 58th 2013 sustainability at good next step for the University to develop more ways 101st 2011 101st 2012 the University of of creating and encouraging student activism and Leeds online: campaigns relating to sustainability. These might help to challenge the University further on topical issues like 2:2 2:2 2:1 N/A 1st 1st 1st sustainability. single use plastics and divestment, as well as providing leeds.ac.uk transformative learning experiences for students. sustainability.leeds.ac.uk Get involved

The future Get involved

Do you want to know more about incorporating Annual Sustainability report 2016/17 sustainability into your research? Have an idea for a WHAT’S IN STORE reducing our impact on the environment? Know a great community group we should partner with? Or want to FOR 2017/18? get involved in sustainability events? We welcome your feedback, it helps us to improve and innovate for the future, so let us know what you think. We’re always looking ahead; considering a more Get in touch with the Sustainability Service, we’d love sustainable future. As set out in our vision to 2050, to hear from you: we understand the need for a long term view of sustainability. sustainability.leeds.ac.uk

And 2017/18 looks set to bring all this and more. Next year is filled with exciting opportunities as /UoLSustainability we continue to develop many of our projects and activities, and brand new ones are inevitably born. @UoL_Sus We will increasingly focus on the Living Lab programme – as an exemplar of how sustainability is embedded into the way we work and the wider @UoL_Sus impact we can have. We will also strengthen our 32 commitment to the circular economy approach, 33 namely by revitalising our Reuse@Leeds system. Opportunities to get involved in sustainability will increase. We are looking to develop an approach to engaging staff in sustainability, including a full review of the Green Impact programme and taking a look at our wider student opportunities to ensure everyone can develop their knowledge, understanding, and practical skills. Our PIP programme will continue to grow, seeing our staff work with even more local third sector organisations to create mutual benefit, new partnerships and co-learning. We’re also looking to develop a new School Governors Programme, an incredibly important volunteer role to help school leadership teams to set targets, policies and standards and to plan for future development. This hugely valuable experience will give even more staff and alumni the chance to give back to their local community and make a positive impact on the education of young people across the city region. As we continue to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals, our global outlook will increase as our environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts are regarded through an international lens. Of course, we will continue to work with our own City of Leeds – the council, public, private You can discover and third sector partners. As an anchor institution, more about this this enhances the sustainability of all involved and sustainability.leeds.ac.uk year’s report and reinforces our core purpose to increase knowledge sustainability at and opportunity for the betterment of society. the University of Leeds online:

sustainability. leeds.ac.uk sustainability.leeds.ac.uk University of Leeds Leeds, United Kingdom LS2 9JT Tel. 0113 243 1751 www.leeds.ac.uk