Welcome to the March edition of our Climate Emergency newsletter!
This month, we're delighted to highlight Leeds Pipes, which was recently featured in a documentary aired on SkyTV. As Leeds prepares for its first-ever World Earth Day celebration this April, we're excited to share a case study showcasing some of our city's successful projects that have positively impacted our residents. Additionally, Leeds has received two significant grants aimed at decarbonising social housing and council buildings, furthering our commitment to a sustainable future.
Stay tuned for inspiring stories and updates on our journey towards a greener Leeds!
Leeds to Celebrate World Earth Day for the First Time Ever
This April, Leeds will join hundreds of cities worldwide to celebrate World Earth Day for the first time ever. Earth Day, introduced in 1970, has grown into a global movement advocating for environmental protection. This year's theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," will focus on renewable energy.
To mark the occasion, we will organise an event at Pudsey Leisure Centre, the council's latest fully decarbonised building. The event will showcase other successful projects across the city and include a tour of the facilities.
Leeds: Case Study
Clustering for Warmth: A Transformative Project in Leeds
The Clustering for Warmth project, running from April 2020 to June 2023, targeted 845 flats across 18 blocks in three Leeds City Council wards. It aimed to replace outdated electric storage heaters with low carbon ground source heat pumps. Boreholes were drilled and pipework installed to create an ambient temperature loop shared between block clusters, with each flat receiving an individual heat pump.
Managed by Housing Leeds and delivered by Cenergist, the project had a budget of £15.69 million, including over £7 million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding. It increased renewable energy capacity by over 4.425 MW, improved SAP ratings by an average of 37 points, and reduced carbon emissions by 1,740 tonnes per year. Socially and economically, it reduced fuel bills by an estimated £457 per household per year and addressed challenges in deprived neighbourhoods. The project significantly contributed to decarbonising the council’s housing stock and improving living conditions for residents.
 Leeds Pipes Highlighted in SkyTV Documentary: The Path to Efficient Heating in the UK
Leeds Pipes was recently featured in the SkyTV documentary, "The Path to Efficient Heating in the UK," which aired in February and March. This in-depth programme highlights pioneering companies providing heating and insulation solutions, delving into the challenges they face and the role these innovations play in shaping a sustainable UK.
The documentary showcases Leeds Pipes' efforts and achievements in delivering efficient heating solutions, emphasising the importance of such initiatives in the broader context of environmental sustainability. By exploring the innovative approaches and technologies employed by Leeds Pipes, the programme provides valuable insights into the future of heating and insulation in the UK.
Watch the replay: The Path To Efficient Heating In The UK
Leeds Set to Receive £20 Million for Housing Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Leeds is set to benefit from £20 million in government funding for energy efficiency upgrades under the Warm Homes Plan. Thousands of low-income households and social housing tenants may receive wall insulation, loft insulation, air source heat pumps, low carbon heating, and solar panels, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually on energy bills.
Eligibility details and application processes will be announced soon. The funding comes from two schemes: the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, providing £1.29 billion to 144 projects across England, and the Warm Homes: Local Grant, allocating £500 million to 73 projects over three years.
Leeds will adopt a cross-tenure approach, upgrading both council-owned and privately-owned homes. This strategy is already in progress in Holbeck, with completion expected by the end of 2025. Hundreds of properties in Little London, Seacroft, and Holbeck have recently benefited from similar upgrades.
Become a Climate Ambassador
Would you like to share your climate knowledge and skills within education settings throughout Leeds and the wider region?
The Climate Ambassadors programme, funded by the Department for Education, aims to ensure that by September 2025, all educational settings in England have a designated Sustainability Lead and a Climate Action Plan.
Schools and other educational institutions can receive free, tailored support from a network of Climate Ambassador volunteers to develop and implement their Climate Action Plans.
Those interested are encouraged to complete the expression of interest form or contact the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Hub team for further information: climateambassadors_yh@leeds.ac.uk
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