The network uses Energy from Waste (EfW) derived from non-recyclable domestic waste and has been expanded after receiving £24.5 million in funding through the government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF).
The latest extension connects to the South Bank area of Holbeck and Hunslet.
David Pullein, Leeds College of Building vice principal of finance and resources, said: “We’re delighted to join the Leeds PIPES network. It was an easy decision to make, given the original gas boilers at our North Street Campus only operate at 75% efficiency. Switching over to the heat network brings several benefits, the most significant being a 3,800-tonne carbon saving over 20 years.
“This low-carbon energy source will significantly reduce our costs and help to bring the site in line with our modern South Bank Campus, which already uses air source heat pumps and biomass pellets.
“Moving to the district heating scheme is one of our largest environmental actions to date. It is a big step in supporting Leeds College of Building’s sustainability agenda and the city’s greener vision for the future.”
Leeds council said it aims for up to 8,000 people to benefit from the latest expansion.
It added that last year 5,945 tonnes of carbon were saved through the network, led by the council in partnership with Vital Energi.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds city council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space and Councillor Jessica Lennox, executive member for housing, said: “We are both pleased that many more residents and businesses will soon be paying significantly less to heat their homes thanks to this latest expansion of the Leeds PIPES network.
“UK’s homes are some of the least efficient and most reliant on costly fossil fuel gas in Europe, and too many families in our city struggle to pay their energy bills. We are committed to helping households by making our homes greener and fit for the future.
“Leeds is working towards becoming the first net zero city in the UK, and connecting more homes to affordable low carbon heating like Leeds PIPES is a step in the right direction.”
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