University of York 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 York joint 159th of 780 companies scored, and joint 45th of 66 in Higher Education / Universities.
York publishes mandatory carbon data and holds green certifications, but absolute emissions remain nearly flat since 2005 despite two decades of climate action. Scope 3 is rising. The geothermal project is funded and real, but won't deliver energy until 2027. Electricity is still mostly fossil gas via CHP.
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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 Targets & Commitments (3/10, 4/10).
14 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions 21,240.2 tCO2e, 2023/24, UKPRN 10007167”
“Our scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions generated from heat and electricity in 2022-23 was: 23,938 tonnes.”
“2023/24 supply chain emissions data will not be available until late 2024.”
“A £50m investment has already been committed, supported by a £35m grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.”
“In partnership with NETPositive Futures, we've launched a free, user-friendly tool that helps our suppliers create their own customised Sustainability Action Plan.”
“The University has maintained its Green Flag status from 2013 to 2026.”
“This last year, 58% of main waste at the University was recycled, and we aim to increase recycling rates to 80% by 2030.”
“The project aims to cut our fossil fuel consumption by 78% as part of our Sustainability Plan 2030 targets.”
“The project has already secured £35 million funding for this stage from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.”
“The Sustainability Steering Group (SSG) provides strategic leadership for the implementation and delivery of the University Sustainability Plan.”
“The system has successfully achieved certification to the ISO14001 standard for our campus operations.”
“We're ranked 15th in the UK and 39th globally in the QS Sustainability Rankings.”
“Set up in April 2023, YorkCliConnect is an official YESI network... to support and strengthen the local community that understands, communicates and takes action on the Climate and Nature Emergencies.”
“The rankings coincide with the University publishing its Sustainability Plan annual report 2024-25.”
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Where University of York sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 66 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of York is tied =45th of 66, with 7 others.
As University of York's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
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University of York is a public research and teaching institution in North Yorkshire, England. It serves students across a 117-hectare campus. As a higher education establishment, it operates lecture halls, research facilities, residential accommodation, and support services.
Peer UK higher education institution, similar scale research operations and estate management.
View breakdown →Peer UK research university with comparable carbon footprint and decarbonisation timeline targets.
View breakdown →UK university with active geothermal and renewable energy infrastructure investment programme.
View breakdown →UK research-intensive university with large campus estate and published sustainability reporting framework.
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