Aug 06, 2021

University of Leeds Sustainability Awards

OUTCO is proud to announce that we have been recognised within the University of Leeds Sustainability Awards 2021 and are part of the team that won their Protecting Our Planet award.

We have been working under contract with the University since 2015 and have cultivated a mutually beneficial partnership providing winter services and more recently grounds services (since January 2021). Through our committed relationship, we are honoured to support the University and their on-site residential services team to achieve their sustainability goals and win this award.

Our customers have come to rely on our comprehensive and transparent service, and complete supply chain visibility through tech-enabled reporting and audits. This approach guarantees the university is always kept up to date with on-site activity, providing an unrivalled level of communication and understanding as to what is happening across the complete site portfolio.

“OUTCO have contributed towards residential services recently winning a University Sustainability Award. OUTCO introduced electric powered tools and an electric vehicle to replace traditional petrol or diesel equipment, and their excellent work in maintaining the grounds helps us to offer green spaces for the benefit of the whole community’s health and wellbeing. Along with our Student Sustainability Architects, they are also offering valuable assistance to help us improve the biodiversity across our sites.” Mike Leonard, Residential Property Manager, Residential Services at the University of Leeds

“Collaborating with the University of Leeds residential teams has been fantastic, and this Protecting Our Planet award is recognition to the positive approach and ongoing hard work from our whole grounds team. We’re looking forward to working with the University on their future environmental projects.” Matt Stephenson, OUTCO Account Manager North

Introduction of electric powered equipment

To support quiet study periods, OUTCO have introduced a fleet of battery powered tools and vehicles to reduce noise levels in order not to disturb student learning. We are proud to introduce electric vehicles and tools into our fleet and embrace new technologies as we strive to become carbon neutral / carbon zero. In addition to battery powered equipment, we have built flexibility into our work schedules to accommodate “quiet periods” where no engine powered equipment is used at all.

Practical student support

Working with students studying environmental courses, OUTCO has brought their theoretical studies to fruition and implemented many of the findings from their biodiversity reports.

Hedgehog conservation

As our part in the commitment by the University to create a hedgehog-friendly campus, OUTCO has trained all staff on hedgehog awareness and conservation. All equipment carries hedgehog awareness branding as we support the University and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society in the protection of this vulnerable mammal.