Aston University scores 52/100 (Making progress) on SINK's independent climate assessment — scored from public data only, no company payment can change a number. Last verified September 2026.
That places Aston University joint 96th of 780 companies scored, and joint 27th of 66 in Higher Education / Universities.
Aston has strong operational carbon data and a credible 2028 net-zero commitment backed by a £35.5m funded energy centre project. Supply chain emissions remain poorly mapped, renewable energy penetration is minimal at ~11%, and Scope 3 methodology gaps are acknowledged. No SBTi validation weakens target credibility.
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Same ten questions for every company. No private weighting.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleStrongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Controversies & Red Flags (8/10, 8/10). Weakest on Nature & Biodiversity Impact and Energy Source (3/10, 3/10).
16 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“Environmental information for UK higher education providers is collected as part of the Estates management record”
“2023/24: 791.74 [Scope 1] · 3,959.83 [Scope 2] · 4,751.57 [S1+2] · 32,028.00 [Scope 3]”
“successfully retaining its ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications... confirmed the university's EcoCampus Platinum status”
“Of the 136 HE providers who submitted data for the past two years, 96 (71%) saw a decrease in emissions”
“Since 2022, Aston University has significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity through the installation of 607 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels”
“The Carbon Neutral Energy Centre will feature ground and air source heat pumps in place of the current gas-fired system”
“Wildlife habitats expanded with bird boxes, bat boxes, bug hotels, and wild gardens”
“enhancing ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 systems, cutting carbon emissions and energy use... supporting biodiversity”
“cut carbon emissions by 3,835 kg and donated 2,208 kg of office furniture to underserved communities, supporting circular economy principles”
“Aston is seeking to procure waste management services”
“In 2024/25 we have consumed 4.6 m3.y-1.FTE-1, 34.4% above our target of 3.4 m3.y-1.FTE-1 for the period”
“Aston will be net zero by 2028 for scope 1 and 2 emissions – two years ahead of schedule”
“Scope 1 and 2 emissions will be reduced by over 90 per cent from the 2005/06 baseline”
“The task of overseeing progress of our Sustainability Strategy... lies with our Sustainability Strategy Steering Group (SSSG). Chaired by our Chief Operating Officer”
“Aston University has signed the Environmental Sustainability Concordat, a landmark sector-wide agreement”
“This includes our target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the Aston University estate by 2030”
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Where Aston University sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 66 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, Aston University is tied =27th of 66, with 4 others.
As Aston University's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
This score is not currently being contested.
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Aston University is a mid-sized UK higher education institution, located in Birmingham city centre. The university serves students and operates a single urban campus focused on business, engineering, and applied sciences. It is ranked in the top 30 UK universities by research income.
UK research-intensive university; comparable scale and sector sustainability profile.
View breakdown →Russell Group UK university; peer institution in higher education carbon management.
View breakdown →Specialist UK university; similar emissions footprint and net-zero targets.
View breakdown →UK higher education institution; comparable carbon reporting and sustainability infrastructure.
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