Cranfield University scores 54/100 (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 Cranfield University joint 60th of 780 companies scored, and joint 11th of 66 in Higher Education / Universities.
Cranfield has cut operational emissions 51% since 2005 and publishes credible data, but Scope 3 remains unmeasured and unverified. Supply chain emissions dwarf direct operations yet lack published figures. Energy remains gas-dominated despite solar expansion. No red flags found.
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 (8/10, 7/10). Weakest on Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain and Targets & Commitments (3/10, 5/10).
12 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
Limited data coverage. This assessment is based on 12 sources, 83% of which are self-reported by the company. Scores may change as independent evidence becomes available.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions 9,070.7 tCO₂e, 2023/24, UKPRN 10007822”
“The output of the CHP in 2023/2024 was 7,616,771 kWh consuming 21,001,228 kWh of gas”
“Cranfield University is officially certified for ISO 50001 for its energy management system”
“The scale dwarfs current Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Further work is required to ensure the accuracy of the data.”
“On 23 March 2023, Cranfield University worked in partnership with Earthwatch UK to plant a Miyawaki (Tiny) Forest”
“A successful re-certification audit was carried out by BSI in May 2023”
“In 2020, the University committed to a new target for 'Zero Avoidable Waste' by 2030”
“85 projects…reduce their carbon emissions by 1,919 tonnes every year”
“The University has set an ambitious new target to reduce water consumption by 50% by 2030, against a 2010 baseline.”
“metering and monitoring capability across the Cranfield campus is insufficient to quantify which are the most significant users”
“The Board for Energy and Environment reports to the University Executive and Council on energy and environmental issues”
“Since 2013 the University has been steadily improving habitats on site, increasing the areas targeted for biodiversity actions”
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Where Cranfield University sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 66 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, Cranfield University is tied =11th of 66, with 4 others.
As Cranfield University's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
This score is not currently being contested.
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Cranfield University is a UK-based postgraduate-focused research institution specialising in aerospace, defence, engineering, and sustainable technology. It operates a campus with an on-site airport and research facilities across Bedfordshire, employing staff and students.
Russell Group research university; comparable scale and UK postgraduate focus.
View breakdown →UK higher education institution; similar governance and sustainability reporting scope.
View breakdown →UK university sector peer; comparable emissions and waste reporting structures.
View breakdown →UK research institution; similar multi-scope decarbonisation target timeline.
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