Leeds highlighted in Government report
Efficiency programmes at the University are highlighted in a new report that shows how UK universities are saving billions by sharing high-value resources and using innovative technologies.
Major efficiency drives by the UK’s higher education institutions have contributed to savings of £1.38 billion between 2005 and 2011, with millions of pounds reinvested in the sector.
The ‘Making the Best Better’ report, commissioned by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and produced by the N8 consortium of research-intensive universities (Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and York), highlights a range of efficiency programmes.
These include the University saving almost £1m a year on energy costs by joining forces with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to build their own combined heat and power plant, and a £3.25 million world-leading High Performance Computing facility shared across the N8 universities hosted by the University, which is giving scientists access to a larger and higher specification machine that would not otherwise be affordable for one institution.
Minister of State for Universities and Science David Willetts said: "This interesting report shows the UK's universities at their best; innovating and pushing boundaries.
“By working together with other institutions and businesses, universities not only benefit from cost efficiencies, but greatly improve student experiences, from offering lectures as podcasts, to giving them the chance to work with high-performance equipment."
‘Making the Best Better’ will help inform the next Spending Review in 2013 and help share best practice across the sector.