Leeds Building College Joins Green Heat Network

Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus is on the brink of a sustainable transformation with the latest expansion of the Leeds PIPES district heating network.

The innovative network harnesses heat from non-recyclable domestic waste to supply warmth and hot water to buildings across the city, paving the way for a shift from traditional fossil-fuel heating systems to more reliable, affordable, and greener alternatives.

The recent extension into the South Bank area of Holbeck and Hunslet follows the securing of a £24.5m funding boost to enhance the Leeds PIPES district heating network. This significant investment plays a crucial role in realising Leeds City Council’s vision of achieving zero carbon status by 2030.

As part of its sustainability efforts and commitment to combat climate change, Leeds College of Building has decided to join the heating network, benefiting over 2,130 staff and students at the North Street Campus.

David Pullein, Vice Principal – Finance & Resources at Leeds College of Building, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative, stating: “We are thrilled to become a part of the Leeds PIPES network. The transition was an easy choice considering the inefficiency of the gas boilers at our North Street Campus, which operate at only 75% efficiency. By switching to the heat network, we anticipate a noteworthy 3,800-tonne carbon saving over the next two decades.”

He further added, “This shift to a low-carbon energy source will not only reduce our operational costs but also align the North Street Campus with our modern South Bank Campus, which already utilises air source heat pumps and biomass pellets. Embracing the district heating scheme marks one of our most significant environmental actions to date, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and supporting the city’s green vision for the future.”

The expansion of the Leeds PIPES district heating network is expected to benefit up to 8,000 individuals, making it the most substantial investment in the project since its inception. Last year alone, the network facilitated a saving of 5,945 tonnes of carbon, a collaboration between the Council and Vital Energi.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment, and Green Space at Leeds City Council, along with Councillor Jessica Lennox, Executive Member for Housing, highlighted the positive impact of the network extension, stating: “We are pleased that many more residents and businesses will soon experience reduced heating costs thanks to the latest expansion of the Leeds PIPES network.”

They continued, “The UK’s homes are among the least efficient in Europe, heavily reliant on expensive fossil fuel gas. Many families in our city struggle with energy bills, and we are dedicated to making homes greener and future-proof. Leeds is forging ahead to become the UK’s first net zero city, and initiatives like connecting homes to affordable low carbon heating through Leeds PIPES are crucial steps in the right direction.”

Leeds College of Building remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, leading by example in the education sector. To discover more about how “green skills” are woven into the curriculum to prepare students for the evolving needs of the Construction industry, visit: www.lcb.ac.uk/about-us/jast-joseph-aspdin-skills-trust.