University of Chester scores 44/100 (Below expectations) on SINK's independent climate assessment — scored from public data only, no company payment can change a number. Last verified September 2026.
That places University of Chester joint 260th of 780 companies scored, and 58th of 66 in Higher Education / Universities.
University of Chester has documented carbon operations via statutory HESA reporting but lacks external verification and Scope 3 disclosure. Its 2030 net zero target is self-set without validation, and a 12.3% absolute emissions reduction since 2005 falls far short of what's needed. Renewable energy is only 14.6% of supply, with major solar and heat pump work delayed to 2028.
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, 6/10). Weakest on Water Impact and Nature & Biodiversity Impact (3/10, 3/10).
12 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions (Kg CO2e), 2023/24 — HESA Table-3, UKPRN 10007848”
“Reporting and measurement of our progress against sustainability targets and goals”
“2030 Achieve Net Zero targets for Scope 1 & 2 — UoC Sustainability Team”
“As a large organisation the University can influence the wider environment, particularly through how and what goods and services we purchase”
“Planting new areas with naturalising spring bulbs that are pollinator friendly — including snowdrops, crocus, narcissi, fritillaria”
“Our frameworks, commitments and decision-making processes that guide how sustainability is managed and embedded at the University”
“Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy — meet the sustainability team”
“Sustainability Policy 2026/27 … Sustainable Food and Catering Policy … Tree Management and Protection Policy”
“replacement of end-of-life gas boilers with heat pump technology, installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic panels”
“Other organisations to be awarded funding include Manchester City Council, the University of Chester”
“we aim to increase recycling rates to 65% by 2025 and 75% by 2030”
“The University's Grounds and Gardens and Sustainability team has created a whole new space for nature on a plot of land next to the institution's Sumner House accommodation block”
If you believe a source has been misread or a newer version exists, submit a challenge.
Where University of Chester sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 66 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of Chester sits 58th of 66.
As University of Chester's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
This score is not currently being contested.
Every challenge is published. We'd rather be corrected than wrong — that's the whole point.
No challenges submitted yet. If you have evidence that contradicts this score, you can challenge any question above — cite a public source and we'll review it.
University of Chester is a mid-sized UK teaching and research institution with approximately 13,000 FTE students and staff. Based in Chester, England, it operates multiple campuses and offers programmes across arts, sciences, social sciences, and professional disciplines. It is a regional player in UK higher education.
Peer teaching-focused UK university; comparable scale, regional footprint, multi-campus estate.
View breakdown →Peer UK teaching university; similar student population size and mission scope.
View breakdown →Peer UK university; larger but comparable sustainability reporting and carbon management context.
View breakdown →Peer UK university; multi-campus operation, similar statutory HESA reporting obligations.
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