Mike Leonard, Residential Property Manager (Staff Sustainability Architect)

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds currently provides accommodation for 8,485 students – 4,863 (57%) in university bedspaces managed by Residential Services, and 3,622 (43%) managed by private partners.

My role as Residential Property Manager is to help with the management of the buildings, services, and contracts associated with the residential portfolio. As part of this responsibility, I have become the lead for sustainability within Residential Services and have personally established several key partnerships with service providers/third sector charities. This collaborative approach has encouraged our students, staff, and supply chain partners to adopt a more sustainable approach in their behaviour.

The impact of this change can now be evidenced on our residential sites; on campus; and in the wider communities in and around Leeds. The success of this partnership is not only reflected in the number of awards received, but also in the feedback provided by both colleagues and partners.

Top 3 Learnings

1. I believe that collaboration and partnership are key and require sound vision, planning, and communication.
2. I believe that you need to demonstrate personal commitment and lead others by example.
3. I believe in communicating regularly with people for awareness and to help maintain momentum.