Leeds City Council has been crowned “Green Council of the Year” at the Political Purpose Awards, a prestigious recognition for its pioneering sustainability efforts. The council achieved this by electrifying its vehicle fleet, drastically reducing landfill waste to less than 0.2%, expanding district heating, and delivering impactful community-focused environmental projects across the vibrant city of Leeds.
Why was Leeds City Council named Green Council of the Year?
Leeds City Council was named Green Council of the Year for its pioneering sustainability efforts, including electrifying its vehicle fleet, dramatically reducing landfill waste to less than 0.2%, leading on recycling initiatives, expanding district heating, and delivering community-focused environmental projects to achieve net zero carbon goals.
Prestigious Recognition for Environmental Leadership
Leeds City Council has received national recognition for its dedication to sustainability, being crowned “Green Council of the Year” at the highly regarded Political Purpose Awards. This award, presented by the Nature 2030 campaign and sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy, highlights councils demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental preservation and innovative climate action. The judging panel, led by Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, highlighted Leeds’ strides in electrifying its vehicle fleet, the carbon-reducing impact of the Leeds PIPES energy from waste district heating scheme, and a dramatic decrease in landfill reliance for household waste – from 26% a decade ago to less than 0.2% today.
The accolade recognizes Leeds’ ambitious response to declaring a climate emergency in 2019. Public consultation helped shape the city’s vision to become net zero carbon, setting the stage for a broad array of initiatives centered on environmental improvement. Efforts span across council operations, community-led projects, and city-wide policy changes, integrating sustainability into the core of Leeds’ municipal strategy.
In receiving the award, the council’s leadership emphasized the collaborative nature of Leeds’ transformation. “We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition of our council’s dedicated work and leadership towards creating a healthier and more sustainable Leeds,” stated Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council. “Our comprehensive low-carbon initiatives and innovative waste management solutions are creating tangible benefits for all residents, making Leeds a greener, cleaner and healthier place to live for current and future generations.”
Comprehensive Waste Management and Recycling Solutions
One of the most significant achievements earning Leeds this recognition is its transformative approach to waste management. Leeds operates the second-largest kerbside collection service of any UK council, servicing over 367,000 households and emptying more than 500,000 bins weekly. Its free garden waste collection also makes it the largest such service in the country. Leeds leads the way in meeting the UK government’s Simpler Recycling requirements for dry recycling – achieving these targets two years ahead of schedule.
The council’s “three-bin strategy” has streamlined recycling for residents and improved environmental outcomes. In the past year, glass has been introduced as an accepted material in the green recycling bin, complementing existing accepted items such as paper, card, plastics (including films and bags), foil, and metal. This resident- and street-friendly approach has removed many barriers to recycling, resulting in increased participation across the city.
Leeds’ success in waste reduction is further demonstrated by its dramatic decline in landfill dependency. Through a progressive procurement policy and a constant renewal of waste disposal contracts – including initiatives for large electricals and offensive waste – the city now diverts 99.8% of household waste away from landfill. Importantly, no food waste from Leeds households is sent to landfill, preventing the formation of methane emissions and harmful leachate. “We are particularly proud to see Leeds recognised for achieving a near-zero landfill rate for our city’s household waste,” remarked Councillor James Lewis, highlighting the broader environmental and public health benefits.
Innovative Energy and Transport Initiatives
Energy and transport play a critical role in Leeds’ sustainability agenda. The council has pioneered the electrification of its vehicle fleet, with nearly a quarter of all council vehicles now electric, including electric bin wagons capable of recharging from 20% to 80% in just 75 minutes. This shift to electric vehicles not only curbs emissions but also sets a leading example for other urban centers in the UK and beyond.
The Leeds PIPES district heating network stands as a flagship project in the council’s portfolio. Developed around the city’s Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF), the network supplies low-carbon, affordable, and reliable heat and hot water to over 60 city buildings. By harnessing energy from waste, Leeds PIPES reduces the city’s carbon footprint while delivering essential services to municipal buildings, housing, and local institutions. “Our comprehensive low-carbon initiatives and innovative waste management solutions are creating tangible benefits for all residents,” emphasized Councillor James Lewis.
Transport infrastructure has also evolved with sustainability at its core. The East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR), a new seven-kilometer highway, incorporates fully segregated facilities for non-motorised road users, including cyclists and equestrians. The project features sustainable drainage systems and the planting of over 30,000 trees, promoting biodiversity and providing new habitats across its stretch. These efforts underscore Leeds’ commitment to integrating green principles into every facet of urban development.
Community-Focused Environmental Action
Leeds City Council’s approach to sustainability is deeply rooted in community involvement and targeted local benefits. Home Upgrade Grants have enabled the council to support 250 households with energy efficiency upgrades and low-carbon heating options, such as heat pumps, solar panels, insulation, and low-energy lighting. These measures directly lower household carbon emissions, improve living conditions, and reduce energy bills for low-income families.
The council has also secured £2.5 million from developers for the creation of woodlands and wildflower meadows, litter and fly-tipping removal, and the installation of educational information boards at environmentally sensitive sites around the city. These projects enhance urban green space, bolster local biodiversity, and foster environmental stewardship among residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment, and green space, emphasized the collaborative spirit that underpins Leeds’ achievements: “We are delighted to be named Green Council of the Year, which is a wonderful reflection of the dedicated work being carried out across the council and our partners as well as our residents and businesses in Leeds for supporting our efforts to be as environmentally sustainable as possible. The impact of climate change affects us all, so this really is an ongoing ‘Team Leeds’ challenge as we strive to become a net zero carbon city.”
For further information or media enquiries, contact Leeds City Council’s communications and marketing team at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds City Council was named “Green Council of the Year” at the Political Purpose Awards for its pioneering sustainability efforts.
- The council has dramatically reduced landfill waste to less than 0.2% and expanded its district heating network.
- Leeds has electrified nearly a quarter of its vehicle fleet, including refuse collection vehicles.
- The city leads the UK in meeting