three female students walking down stairs in the Boyle Library

Providing peace of mind during darker evenings

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If you’re spending early mornings or evenings on campus over the coming months, you may well be doing so outside of daylight hours.

Leeds is a great place to live, work and study, however it’s worth reminding yourself of the simple steps you can take to provide an extra layer of security and support, especially when it’s dark.

Fast and easy access to support

Make sure you’ve downloaded the SafeZone app, which works when you’re on campus. The app is free, easy to use and is linked directly to the Security team.

Through the app, you can ask for help, or share your location while on campus with the Security team, who will check-in with you to make sure you’re okay if they don’t hear from you.

How to use SafeZone

You can download the SafeZone app for iOS and Android.

To register, please use your University email address – personal email addresses will not work. Providing a photo when prompted is helpful so that responders can identify you.

Sharing your location through the check-in timer

The check-in timer feature allows you to share your location with the Security team. Set the timer, and if the team haven’t heard from you after it has run out, they’ll check in to see if you’re okay.

Extra patrols to keep you safe

The Security team are running an extra patrol, from 6am to 6pm until March, providing added visibility and help for anyone who needs it on campus. This patrol also includes regular checks on our halls of residence.

Contacting the team

You can contact the Security team by using the SafeZone app or by calling 0113 343 5494.

If it’s an emergency, you can reach the team by calling 0113 343 2222, or by calling 999.

Find out more about our Security team.

the great hall and garden covered in snow

January 2025 – cold weather update

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A Met Office amber warning for snow is in place across Yorkshire and northern England from the evening of Saturday 4 January until Monday 6 January.

Latest update

Forecasters have said that snow is expected to lead to disruption during Sunday across northern England.

In the event of snowfall, campus is expected to be open, however anyone travelling to and from the University is advised to take extra care.

Clearing snow and ice on campus

Gritting and snow clearing services from the University’s Grounds & Gardens team and external contractors are on standby ahead of any snowfall.

Their focus is on making sure that core access routes are clear, as opposed to individual buildings.

You can report ice and snow that is affecting access routes by emailing our helpdesk.

Travelling to campus

If you work on campus, please make sure you’ve read the University’s procedure for working arrangements during adverse weather.

You can find updates on road disruption via Leeds City Council, updates on rail via National Rail and updates on buses in the Leeds area via First Bus.

Disruption updates

This page will be regularly updated in the event of overnight ice and snowfall. We’ll also be providing updates through our X and Instagram pages.

Contact us

To report snow or ice affecting core routes, you can email our helpdesk or by calling the team on: 0113 343 5555.

If you’re going to be outside over the next few days, make sure you’re wrapped up warm and take extra care.

 

roger stevens building from a panoramic view with the sun setting in the background

Maintaining and preserving the Roger Stevens Building

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Essential maintenance is underway to repair, maintain and preserve the exterior of the Roger Stevens Building.

The work, which will continue into the start of 2025, is focused around conserving the architecture of the Grade II* listed building.

The building remains open and is safe to be used while work is ongoing.

Necessary repairs

Estates are working alongside engineering and construction firm Mountain Earth to conduct hammer testing and repairs to areas of concrete on the building’s exterior.

Hammer testing, which is used to identify areas of concrete in need of repair, is noisy by nature; however, steps are being taken to minimise disruption.

Estates has worked with the timetabling team to move classes most likely to be impacted by the work out of the building, reducing the impact on staff and students.

Where possible, Mountain Earth is using elevating work platforms rather than erecting scaffolding when carrying out repairs to keep noise levels to a minimum.

Preserving an iconic building

Estates has worked closely with Leeds City Council’s Conservation Officer to make sure the building is properly preserved.

The building will be coated in a colour closer to what was originally used when it first opened – a process that will be repeated for other listed concrete buildings on campus.

We apologise for any disruption caused.

The field at the Research Farm with a tractor ploughing, stands and people are in the background

Farming and agricultural experts converge on Research Farm for conference

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The University of Leeds Research Farm has ploughed a new trail as a specialist events venue after receiving top marks from the organisers of a leading agricultural conference.

Agricultural experts and farmers from across the country travelled to the farm near Tadcaster for Tillage-Live, the UK’s largest cultivations event.

Organised by Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), Tillage-Live is a crop-field demonstration that attracts industry-leading names such as John Deere, Horsch UK and Vaderstad and their associated dealerships, together with representation from a wide range of agricultural suppliers and technology providers.

Providing the ideal space 

What sets the event apart is the depth and breadth of the demonstration, covering all aspects of crop establishment.

The demonstration visitors the chance to watch multiple exhibitors in action across field-scale plots in one location at the same time.

With over 750 acres of land and state-of-the-art facilities, the site provided organisers with everything they needed to create a successful event.

Establishing the farm as an events venue

It is hoped that Tillage-Live will be the catalyst for more farming and agricultural conferences and events to be hosted at the farm.

Philip Dougill, Head of Asset Management at the University said: “We were keen to support our licensee farmers, Hartley Farming and farm managers Velcourt Ltd, when they brought the proposal to us to host Tillage-Live at the farm.

“The University has worked hard over the last four years to improve its facilities and is keen to continue to boost its profile as a model commercial farm acting as a platform for research and teaching.”

Kayleigh Holden, Event Organiser from the Agricultural Engineers Association said: “The Agricultural Engineers Association were delighted with the site and the cooperation of the University, farmers, and contractors to deliver the National Cultivations Demonstration in September.

“The combination of location, proximity to the national road network, soil type, layout and the on-site team all helped Tillage-Live to be a success.”

Find out more about the University of Leeds Research Farm.

A snow plough clearing snow from a pathway

November 2024 – cold weather update

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A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice is in place across Yorkshire from the evening of Monday 18 November until the morning of Tuesday 19 November.

Latest update

19/11: 09:00

Light snowfall has fallen overnight on campus.

There is a minimal amount of lying snow amount on paths and roads, and our Grounds & Gardens have been fully clearing core routes this morning.

If you are coming onto campus today, please take time to check travel information and take extra care to stay safe.

Clearing snow and ice on campus

Gritting and snow clearing services from the University’s Grounds & Gardens team and external contractors are clearing overnight ice and snowfall.

Their focus is on making sure that core access routes are clear, as opposed to individual buildings.

You can report ice and snow that is affecting access routes by emailing our helpdesk.

Travelling to campus

If you work on campus, please make sure you’ve read the University’s procedure for working arrangements during adverse weather.

You can find updates on road disruption via Leeds City Council, on rail via National Rail and on buses in the Leeds area via First Bus.

Disruption updates

This page will be regularly updated in the event of ice and snowfall. We’ll also be providing updates through our Estates team’s X and Instagram pages.

Contact us

To report snow or ice affecting core routes, you can email our helpdesk or by calling the team on: 0113 343 5555.

Keep warm and take care if you’re outside!

Bulbs in front of wavy bacon on campus

University campus scoops hat-trick of prestigious environmental awards

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The University of Leeds campus is officially ‘blooming great’ again after retaining a prestigious environmental prize.

It has scooped Gold and is the winner in the Universities, Colleges and Further Establishments category at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom awards for the third year running.

Commending hard work of colleagues

Judges recognised the high standard to which campus is maintained and were impressed with the ‘unexpected’ high variety of flora and fauna growing in an inner-city space.

They also commended the long-term hard work of University colleagues, labelling the current shape of campus as the ‘result of the careful planning and actions of dedicated staff over many years’.

Efforts to keep campus in tip-top shape all-year are led by the Estates, Sustainability and Residential Services teams, who work together to both maintain current spaces and plan how to make campus more biodiverse in the future.

Sustainability’s key role in entry

Sustainability has been a central part of this year’s submission, with judges recognising the positive impact of wildlife habitats created and introduced through the Urban Buzz Project.

The positive impact the University has on biodiversity isn’t confined by the grounds of the campus. The North Hill Well Wood Project, which runs in the Headingley Hill area, received praise for its role as an integral part of teaching and learning for students.

Yorkshire in Bloom – the regional body representing the Britain in Bloom – organises its annual competition encouraging schools, businesses, and other community groups to create pleasant natural environments around them.

Sean Craven, Outside Spaces Manager said: “’This award recognises hard work put in by the Grounds and Gardens team all year round in all weather conditions.

“We try to create a campus that offers something for everyone, from formal lawns and planting, to wildflower areas that encourage pollinators and biodiversity.”

Mike Howroyd from the Sustainability team said: “Winning Gold for a third year in a row is a proud moment, as it reflects the dedication we’ve all put into enhancing biodiversity and sustainability across the campus.

“The award highlights how our collaborative approach to landscaping and managing our green spaces can create thriving ecosystems in an urban setting, that are climate resilient and also benefit nature and our community.”

Mike Leonard, Residential Property Manager, said: “This work demonstrates what we can achieve when we all work together, from Grounds and Gardens, Sustainability and Residential Services, to the landscape architects, ground maintenance contractors, student sustainability architects, charities and our volunteers

“The judge was impressed by what he saw on his visit, but also with the depth of evidence that was supplied about the various aspects of managing the University’s estate, including the engagement of staff and students.

“We hosted Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Corporate Members’ event on campus last year, and they were clearly enthused by what they saw and have subsequently commented on LinkedIn about what we do on campus.”

More info

Read more about the work of our Grounds and Gardens team and Residential Services in keeping campus looking its best.

You can also find out more about volunteering for the Hill Well Wood Project.

image of staff at the Brownlee Centre

New Brownlee Centre heat pumps power University’s net zero drive

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New electrically powered heat pumps at the Brownlee Centre are being switched on as the University ramps up activity to support its net zero goals.

The new pumps replace the previous wood pellet and oil boilers and are the final step towards electrifying the Brownlee Centre and the rest of the Bodington complex.

The installation of the pumps means that the centre, along with the rest of the Bodington complex, are now fully electrified.

Work on the site has been ongoing throughout 2024, as part of collaborative net zero work between Sustainability and Estates.

The move from the previous primary heat sources to an all-electric heat pump solution will save the University around 58,850Kg and 2,610Kg of direct and indirect CO2 per year, respectively.

The project is part of the university’s Net Zero Delivery Plan, which sets out how we will deliver reductions of more than 35,000 tonnes of CO2e per year by 2030.

The bulk of emissions reductions will be driven through changes to the way we heat and power our buildings.

This requires changes to our building infrastructure to reduce the amount of energy that we use and ensure that the energy we do use is from renewable sources.

The Estates team’s engineering section have worked with specialists VWG Group to complete the project since February this year.

A successful funding application by the team to the Government’s Salix fund was also key in delivering the project.

Salix is a government-owned organisation that delivers funding schemes to help the public sector reduce their carbon emissions in line with the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

David Oldroyd, Interim Deputy Director of Development said: “This major work is an important step towards us significantly reducing annual emissions from our estate.

“Several more projects are already underway, with more planned, that will enable us to reach the targets outlined in the Net Zero Delivery Plan.

“Thanks to our contractors, VWG Group, who worked efficiently and quickly to get this work completed before the start of the new academic year.”

Staff and students can find out more about our Net Zero Delivery Plan, and what they can do to support the Climate Plan, at the Climate Plan Sharepoint Hub (University login required).

 

farida with university of leeds lecturer

Student-celebrating plaques installed on campus

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Staff, students, and visitors to campus may notice some new additions alongside the University’s blue plaques – with one key difference.

The first group of new green plaques, which recognise the influential role students have played in developing important campus projects, have been installed at four University locations.

Student-led projects being celebrated include the accessible lift in the Parkinson building, the Postgraduate Research Lounge, the Women in STEM Conference and a common lounge for commuter students.

Improving campus for everyone

Similar in style to the well-established blue plaque initiative, each details the role individual students have made towards getting a project off the ground, whether through activism, campaigning or by working with Leeds University Union.

The scheme has been developed by the Estates team and Leeds University Union to recognise the contributions students are making to the future development of campus.

Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation & Development said:

“Our campus is only relevant because of all the amazing things our students and staff undertake here at Leeds. Celebrating the successes through the Green Plaques is so exciting as it makes both people and place relevant.

“As we reshape the campus through Campus Reimagined we want to keep learning from all our University communities to make sure we are achieving our aim of creating amazing spaces on campus that are sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.”

Where can I find the plaques?

The first plaque is located at the entrance of the new Postgraduate Research Lounge on the second floor of the Refectory.

It marks the work carried out by Polly Galis, Abiha Khan, Vicky Zhuo and Rimsha to lobby for a dedicated space for postgraduate researchers.

green plaque located at Postgraduate Research Lounge

The second plaque is located in EC Stoner.

It recognises Susan Preston’s work in campaigning for more inclusion for commuter students, include the creation of a specialised common lounge.

green plaque at EC Stoner

Another plaque has been installed outside of the Mechanical Engineering Building.

It details Farida Al Wakeel’s work to create the Women in STEM Conference.

green plaque at Mechanical Engineering Building

The final plaque is located outside of the Parkinson Building,.

It celebrates Gem Turner’s successful campaign to install an accessible lift outside of the building.

green plaque outside Parkinson building

Read more about the green plaque initiative.

close up of bike chain on campus

Keeping your bike safe on campus this Summer

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As the weather finally changes for the better, you might be thinking of ditching the car, getting into the fresh air and cycling onto campus this summer.

A bike is a great way to get around the University, however it’s worth remembering that warmer weather tends to lead to an increase in bike thefts across the country and, in Leeds, it’s no different.

Before you bring your bike onto campus, make sure you’ve followed these simple steps from Security Services to keep your property safe.

Buy D-locks and lock your bike properly

If you have a bike already, you likely have a bike lock. Sadly, not all locks are made equal, and it only takes seconds to cut through some – especially wire, chain or poor-quality versions.

Discounted D-locks and lights are sold at the Bike Hub and the Security office. You can find the Security office at 175 Woodhouse Lane, about two minutes’ walk from Laidlaw Library. The Bike Hub is located on the lower level between the EC Stoner and Roger Stevens buildings.

Make sure you lock through the frame of the bike and quick release wheels, and always lock your bike to something solid and secure, ideally a bike rack, and never just around the bike itself. Ideally, use more than one D-lock or another type of lock – this really does help to slow down thieves and give staff from Security Services more time to intercept them

Make sure you try to lock your bike in a busy, well-lit area so anyone trying to interfere with it will be spotted. Our campus has plenty of bike racks – there’s one in front of every building. Here’s a handy map of where bike racks are located around campus.

We generally recommend buying a sold secure tested lock, and if your bike is more expensive, it’s generally a good idea to buy a higher quality of lock.

Register your bike on BikeRegister

To give yourself peace of mind, make sure you register your bike on the BikeRegister national database.

Once you’ve registered, Security Services will mark it with a National Cycle Database kit free of charge, so that it can be easily identified if lost or stolen.

BikeRegister drop-ins take place at the Security office, on Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm, where the Security team can help you to register and mark your bike.

You can also book an appointment in advance.

Other tips to follow

• Make sure you’ve got your bike insured, either as specific cycle insurance or as a listed item under home/contents insurance.
• Write your postcode and house number on the frame of your bike with an ultraviolet pen.
• Always try and lock your bike in a busy, well-lit area so anyone trying to interfere with it will be spotted. Here’s a handy map of where bike racks are located around campus.
• Don’t leave removable items such as lights, saddle bags or panniers on your bike when you leave it.

What to do if you see something suspicious

If you notice anything suspicious on campus or University property including Halls of Residences, then contact Security Services or report it on the SafeZone app.

And if you witness a crime, or are unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, report it both to the police and the University’s Security Services.

Happy cycling this summer!

Find out more about Security Services.

Contact the Bike Hub for more information,

geothermal drilling site

Major milestone reached as geothermal work picks up pace

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A collaborative project between Estates and the Sustainability Service is a step closer to discovering if geothermal energy underground campus can be used to heat buildings after reaching a major milestone.

The geothermal drilling stage of the project has now been completed at locations across campus and has provided experts with promising early results.

Testing of open and closed-loop boreholes has shown indications of excellent geothermal capacity and of possible optimal groundwater yield, which are both indicators of thepotential for geothermal energy underground.

If successful, the project could provide a clean, sustainable source of heat that reduces our reliance on both fossil fuels and electricity.

Drilling is continuing to take place on pilot wells on campus, which are helping to understand the ground model for geothermal drilling works.

Work will continue until the end of July, however the space required for operations will continue to be reduced over time.

Manhole chambers for closed-loop boreholes have now been installed at the Mechanical Engineering Building, Henry Price Residences and the Maurice Keyworth Building and returned to the University.

The project, which is part of the University’s Net Zero Delivery Plan, is bringing together experts from the Facilities Directorate and the academic community alongside specialists from ANTS Drilling and engineering firm Buro Happold.

David Oldroyd, Interim Director of Development at the University of Leeds, said: “This is an exciting collaborative project, with partners from both inside and outside of the University working closely together to make positive progress

“This work has the potential to save money, provide a more sustainable way of heating campus in line with the University’s Net Zero goals and set an example for future energy innovation.”

Find out more by visiting our project page and the Sustainability Services’s website.

Image credit: Ben Craven