University of Surrey 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 University of Surrey joint 159th of 780 companies scored, and joint 45th of 66 in Higher Education / Universities.
Surrey has disclosed Scope 1+2 emissions and a 2030 net-zero target using SBTi methodology, but renewable energy remains effectively absent (0.1% on-site generation), and Scope 3 data is three years stale. The 2030 plan relies on purchasing offsets for 54% of residual emissions. Transparency is solid; execution gaps are material.
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 Energy Source and Water Impact (2/10, 4/10).
15 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“14,693.4 tCO₂e Scope 1+2, UKPRN 10007160, 2023/24 Estates Management Record”
“"The University measures its scope 1 & 2 emissions using the higher education developed 'Standard Carbon Model'."”
“"140 HE providers submitted Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions data to HESA through the Estates management record for the year 2023/24."”
“Scope 3 Emissions Accounting Report, authored by University of Surrey Sustainability Team”
“"reducing scope 1 & 2 emissions by 19% in comparison to the baseline year"”
“"will step up its on-site renewable energy generation from 0.1% to 20% of total annual demand"”
“"Set to go live in 2025, the solar farm will be in operation for 35 years before being decommissioned."”
“"projected 24% biodiversity net gain (BNG) for habitat units, a 49% increase for hedgerows, and a 35% gain for watercourse units"”
“Operational Waste Management Plan 2025–2028 V1.0, referencing Procurement Plan 2024”
“"The University's Operational Waste Management Plan set outs our aims to divert 100% of waste from landfill."”
“"implemented intelligent controls, and reduced flush and flow rates across our campus to prevent water wastage"”
“"reduce absolute carbon emissions by 46 per cent over the subsequent 10 years... In 2030, the University will purchase carbon offsets to cover the remaining 54 per cent."”
“"Surrey's researchers share ideas and provide guidance on how other universities can apply the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)."”
“"Read the latest Sustainability Report (2024-2025) (PDF)"”
“No University of Surrey lobbying profile found on InfluenceMap's LobbyMap database”
If you believe a source has been misread or a newer version exists, submit a challenge.
Where University of Surrey sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 66 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of Surrey is tied =45th of 66, with 7 others.
As University of Surrey'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 Surrey is a public research institution in Guildford, England. It operates across science, technology, engineering, and social sciences, serving students. As a mid-sized UK higher education provider, it contributes to local carbon emissions through campus operations, supply chains, and student/staff travel.
Peer UK research university with comparable Scope 1+2 baseline and 2030 net-zero commitment.
View breakdown →UK higher education institution with similar scale and carbon reporting requirements under HESA framework.
View breakdown →Russell Group university operating under same statutory Estates Management Record disclosure regime.
View breakdown →Mid-sized UK research institution with campus-based operations and decarbonisation planning.
View breakdown →Email alerts when a rubric question is verified, a challenge is resolved, or the overall score changes.
One email, every Sunday. Score changes, new research, the stories behind the numbers. Free.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
Checking a company?
Search free →Been scored?
See what's behind your number →Nobody can pay us to change a number.