Construction has commenced on milestone extensions to the innovative low-carbon district heating network being rolled-out in Leeds city centre by sustainable energy experts Vital Energi, in partnership with Leeds City Council.

£3m of Heat Network Investment Project funding was secured by Leeds City Council to support the extension of the Leeds PIPES project, which uses heat from non-recyclable waste at the nearby Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility.

The project aims to generate reliable, affordable, low-carbon heat and hot water for nearly 2,000 flats and a dozen non-domestic buildings across Leeds.

Mike Cooke, managing director, North & Scotland at Vital Energi, said: “By extending the district heating network, we’re enabling forward-thinking organisations like the Ministry of Justice to commit to a more sustainable future, which in turn sets a great example for other businesses across the city looking to lower their emissions and find more affordable methods of operating.

Construction has commenced on milestone extensions to the innovative low-carbon district heating network being rolled-out in Leeds city centre.

“By joining the network, organisations will have access to an affordable, reliable and low carbon way to provide heating and hot water and will avoid feeling as much impact from energy price increases.

The Heat Network Investment Project funding will support a significant 2,500m spine extension across zones covering student apartments, residential developments, multi-storey flats, large public sector sites.

Additionally, the extension aims to help to open up more of Leeds for future sustainable energy developments.