LEEDS Trinity University is pledging its commitment not to invest in fossil fuel companies, in support of the student-led movement Fossil Free.

The Horsforth-based institution has joined more than 70 universities from across the UK which have pledged to exclude fossil fuel companies from future investments. It has no existing investments in extractor fossil fuel companies and is pledging to never invest in the industry.

In its commitment the university declares that it currently holds no investments in extractor fossil fuel companies and it commits to never investing in these companies in its Ethical Investment Policy.

The Fossil Free movement is a grassroots campaign, coordinated by People and Planet and supported by students and local groups, to encourages UK universities to invest more sustainably and divest from companies which have a profoundly negative impact on global warming.

The movement was formed following the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which has seen 195 countries sign a legally binding international agreement to keep global temperature increases between 1.5°C and 2°C.

Leeds Trinity’s Chief Operating Officer Phill Dixon, said: “The University’s pledge to continue to divest from fossil fuel companies demonstrates our commitment to tackling global warming and in becoming more sustainable. We are proud to be part of the Fossil Free movement, and we hope that many more of our fellow educational institutions will join us.”

Christopher Dow, Vice-President of Leeds Trinity Students’ Union who is running a campaign called Chris Combats the Climate Crisis, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Leeds Trinity join the ranks of those universities who have pledged to never invest money in the companies destroying our planet. Our students come from all over the world, and we recognise our global responsibility in safeguarding a liveable climate for all.”

The university currently invests in LED lighting, automatic lighting control, solar PV systems, sustainable waste management and recycling. It also partners with the British Heart Foundation, RightGreen and Terracyle to recycle clothing, furniture, and used household items.

It has an Environmental Champions group, which is open to all members of staff and students who want to improve its approach towards environmental, sustainable and social responsibilities to the planet.