Leeds Council Reports Progress Towards Net Zero Goal

Senior councillors receive update on climate action and sustainability measures

Leeds City Council has provided an update on the significant measures taken over the past year to address the climate emergency and move towards becoming the UK’s first net zero and nature positive city. The report, scheduled for presentation to the council’s executive board on 17 December 2025, outlines progress in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing natural habitats across the city.

Reduction in carbon emissions

The report highlights that Leeds has reduced its overall carbon emissions by 38% since 2005, decreasing from 6.3 million tonnes to 3.9 million tonnes of carbon. The council’s own carbon footprint has decreased by nearly two thirds (65%) in a similar timeframe. Despite population growth, emissions per capita continue to decline, reflecting ongoing efforts to decouple economic and population growth from carbon output.

Energy efficiency and heating improvements

• Work began in 2025 to upgrade energy efficiency in 100 back-to-back homes in Armley.
• A £100 million investment programme to improve council homes’ energy efficiency has passed its halfway point, with over £60 million spent on projects benefiting thousands of residents.
• The Leeds PIPES district heating network now supplies low-carbon heating to more than 4,000 homes and over 70 buildings, using heat recovered from the city’s non-recyclable domestic waste plant.
• More than £50 million in government funding has been secured through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to upgrade heating systems in public buildings.
• Seventy-five public buildings have been upgraded with low-carbon heating and solar panels, including Pudsey leisure centre, which is now fully powered by electricity.

Electric vehicle infrastructure and fleet

• Leeds City Council operates a fleet of 332 zero emission vehicles, believed to be the largest of any local authority in the UK.
• Data shows electric vans cost 40% less to maintain compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
• The city’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure is expanding, with the first on-street charging point expected to be installed by the end of 2025.
• Public charging points aim to support residents without private driveways in switching to electric vehicles.

Nature restoration efforts

Efforts to restore natural habitats include woodland creation schemes to increase tree canopy cover and the establishment of new woodlands. The council is also developing wild spaces to support butterfly and moth populations, contributing to biodiversity across Leeds.

Council statement

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, commented on the report, noting the increasing impact of climate change on the region, including wildfires during the summer of 2025. He emphasised the council’s commitment to becoming the UK’s first net zero and nature positive city and acknowledged the contributions of various local organisations and sectors in supporting this goal.

The full report will be available through the council’s official channels following the executive board meeting.