University of Exeter scores 53/100 (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 University of Exeter joint 75th of 780 companies scored, and joint 16th of 66 in Higher Education / Universities.
Exeter has cut operational emissions 45% since 2005 and ranks first globally for water management research. Total emissions remain 13% above 2018 baseline, driven by Scope 3 growth. The Shell partnership (£14.7M over five years) undercuts climate credibility despite the university's explicit shift away from offsetting.
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SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleStrongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Water Impact (7/10, 7/10). Weakest on Emissions Trajectory and Targets & Commitments (4/10, 5/10).
14 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions 13,584.7 tCO2e, 2023/24 (HESA Table-3, UKPRN 10007792)”
“Near-term target: To reduce emissions by 26% by 2030 from 104,043 tCO2e in 2023/24”
“Sustainability Data Assurance — University of Exeter, contract award notice 2024/S 000-011660”
“For the first time the data has been through a vigorous assurance process through PwC”
“Scope 3 emissions from water show a reduction from 425 tCO2e in 2018/19 to 149 tCO2e in 2023/24”
“We will follow the mitigation conservation hierarchy when considering the impacts of University activities on biodiversity”
“Biodiversity units recorded for campuses at Streatham (2021), St Luke's (2021), Penryn (2019) and Duryard (2023)”
“We are developing a biodiversity footprint for the whole University, including our activities at St Luke's and Penryn campuses”
“In 2024-25, approximately 95% of our waste was recycled, composted, combusted or sent for anaerobic digestion”
“In 2024-25 recycling increased by 10.8% and general waste reduced by 17% on Penryn Campus”
“The University of Exeter has received the most from fossil fuel firms since 2022, having signed a £14.7 million, five-year deal with Shell”
“University of Exeter tops UK fossil fuel funding table following £14.7 million deal with Shell”
“Exeter has been ranked first in the world in the Clean Water and Sanitation category of The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023”
“Selected carbon metrics have undergone an independent assurance process to enhance the credibility and reliability of the data we report”
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Where University of Exeter sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 66 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of Exeter is tied =16th of 66, with 10 others.
As University of Exeter's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
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University of Exeter is a research-led institution in south-west England with four campuses. It ranks among the UK's top 20 universities by research output. The institution focuses on environment, social science, and engineering disciplines alongside traditional humanities and sciences.
UK research-led university with four campuses; comparable sector peer in climate strategy disclosure.
View breakdown →UK Russell Group research institution; similar scale and sustainability reporting profile.
View breakdown →Major research collaborator (£14.7M five-year partnership signed 2022).
View breakdown →UK research university with published sustainability targets and carbon reduction commitments.
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