Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Met is first class for the environment
People & Planet's green league is the only league table to show the environmental and ethical performance of UK universities.
The University has invested in dedicated energy efficiency projects generating annual savings of approximately £260,000, 3.6 million kWh and 1,580 tonnes of carbon and it has established a comprehensive transport strategy to implement more sustainable forms of transport to its campuses, including the UTravel Active student bike hire scheme.
Sue Holmes, Director of Estates at our University, commented: "We are absolutely delighted that Leeds Met has again received a first class award from People and Plant in 2012. We are one of only six universities in the country to have been awarded a first class in all six years that the awards have been running. We are proud of the work we have achieved in our approach to sustainability and in our carbon reduction and will continue to build on this in the future. We think this makes us a great university at which to study or work."
Louise Hazan, who compiled the People & Planet Green League, said: "Congratulations to all the staff and students at Leeds Met for their role in creating one of the greenest universities the UK has ever seen. Their success in reducing carbon emissions is exemplary. National improvements across the People & Planet Green League results this year show universities are listening to the 70% of students demanding greener degrees and that the university sector is leading the way to a low-carbon and sustainable future."
Nationally, the People & Planet Green League table reveals that the university sector has cut carbon emissions for the first time, recording a 5% reduction compared to 2011 results.
UK universities are also doing more to improve graduate prospects by preparing them for the future low-carbon economy and increasing their focus on sustainability in the curriculum. The People & Planet Green League shows a 96% increase in the number of universities integrating sustainability into their Teaching & Learning Strategies since 2011 (about a third of the sector).
A total of 145 universities participated in People & Planet's Green League 2012, which awards either a First Class 'degree', 2:1, 2:2, Third, or Fail - according to environmental policy, management and actual performance in areas such as carbon reduction, waste recycling, curriculum, energy efficiency, sustainable food, ethical procurement and water reduction.