Birkbeck, University of London scores 49/100 (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 Birkbeck, University of London joint 159th of 780 companies scored, and joint 45th of 66 in Higher Education / Universities.
Birkbeck has achieved a 56% absolute emissions reduction since 2005 and holds ISO 14001 certification with public annual reporting. Major gaps: Scope 3 supply chain footprint is tracked internally but not publicly disclosed; renewable energy procurement is near-zero; and interim net-zero milestones lack external validation.
This score is built from public data only. If your practice is stronger than your disclosure, submit evidence for review — or challenge any question, free.
Same ten questions for every company. No private weighting.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleStrongest on Controversies & Red Flags and Carbon Footprint — Operations (9/10, 7/10). Weakest on Energy Source and Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain (3/10, 3/10).
10 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions 1922.8 tCO₂e (2023/24, UKPRN 10007760)”
“We are assessing our scope 1 and 2 emissions against a 2005-06 baseline of 4,370 tCO2e”
“140 HE providers submitted Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions data to HESA through the Estates management record for the year 2023/24”
“There are 15 categories in Scope 3, and Birkbeck currently reports emissions under 8 of these”
“Renewable energy PV proposals as part of the Heat Decarbonisation Plan”
“Birkbeck has held a joint ISO14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification with SOAS and LSHTM since 2016”
“reduce use of beef by 50% by January 2027 and a further 20% by January 2028”
“TPS was appointed by Birkbeck College to undertake a Scope 3 carbon emissions assessment”
“The SBTi Target Dashboard lists companies with validated targets — Birkbeck is not listed”
“Birkbeck is the first higher education institution in the UK — and to our knowledge, the world — to take this step”
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Where Birkbeck, University of London sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 66 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, Birkbeck, University of London is tied =45th of 66, with 7 others.
As Birkbeck, University of London's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
This score is not currently being contested.
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Birkbeck, University of London is a public research and teaching institution, specialising in evening and part-time higher education. Based in central London, it operates a compact 47,340 m² estate and serves primarily working adults. The university is a constituent college of the University of London.
Peer institution, public research university, similar London-based scale and governance model.
View breakdown →Sector peer: UK research-intensive higher education provider with larger operational footprint.
View breakdown →Sector peer: UK higher education institution with comparable governance and public sustainability reporting.
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