Schools, universities, healthcare facilities, civic buildings and residential buildings connected to Leeds’ low-carbon heat network will soon display a new plaque designed by a local school student, helping residents identify some of the organisations supporting the city's net-zero ambitions.
The initiative was officially launched on Wednesday 15th July at Trinity Academy Leeds, where the winning design by Year 8 student Chloe was unveiled. The plaques will be rolled out across the city, creating a recognisable identity for organisations connected to the Leeds PIPES network.
Since its creation in 2018, Leeds PIPES has grown to over 30km of pipework, connected over 4,100 homes, 30 public and commercial buildings, and saved the city more than 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2025 alone. The scheme boasts 97.44% customer satisfaction and delivered 430 jobs across the Leeds City Region.
Representatives from Leeds City Council and Vital Energi attended the unveiling event, including:
· Polly Cook - Chief Officer, Climate, Energy and Green Spaces at Leeds City Council
· Lisa Martin – Social Value & Customer Care Manager at Vital Energi
· Isabelle Humphreys – Graduate Social Value Co-Ordinator at Vital Energi
· Lucy Bennett – Marketing Executive at Vital Energi
As part of the events, approximately 240 year 8 students attended an assembly focussed on exploring how young people can play a role in shaping a more sustainable future including learning about career opportunities in the green energy sector. A smaller group of pupils took part in an interactive workshop featuring climate-themed activities, games and challenges.
