Leeds Beckett University Achieves Outstanding Carbon and Cost Savings as Part of Pioneering District Heat Network

Leeds Beckett University has achieved major carbon and cost savings by connecting its City campus to Leeds City Council's Leeds PIPES District Heat Network.

The connection, funded through the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, was completed in 2022 and has outperformed expectations. The network supplies heat from the city's Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility, which turns non-recyclable waste into low-carbon energy.

Three years on, the results speak for themselves:

• Carbon emissions cut by around 530 tonnes a year, well above the original forecast of around 370 tonnes a year
• The related energy costs reduced by 42%, delivering annual savings of almost £250,000 - matching the initial grant fund and significantly exceeding forecasts

These savings were achieved through a dual approach combining enhanced energy management and proactive procurement. 23% of the savings resulted from reduced heat consumption driven by improved Building Energy Management System (BEMS) controls and continuous performance monitoring.

Further savings were realised through our flexible, consumption-based procurement model. This strategy - enabled by comprehensive metering and active engagement - allowed the university to align purchasing decisions with real-time market conditions, optimising cost efficiency.

The success has been driven by Leeds Beckett's Estates and Facilities team, who worked with partners to monitor performance and optimise systems. Energy Manager Tarik Jacob said: "This project shows how investment and collaboration can make a real difference. It's not just about reducing emissions, it's also about building a smarter, more resilient energy system for the future."

The project supports LBU's goal to reach Net Zero by 2035, while also contributing to the city's wider climate ambitions.