Monitoring and reporting our impact
How we oversee, measure and report our progress on sustainability and climate action across the University.
Alongside an annual measure of Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions, we will use a series of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and report on the delivery and impact of the UCAP. We publish annual updates on our progress towards our emissions targets and moving forwards we will include these KPIs.
Key performance indicators
|
Workstream |
KPI |
Current value |
target |
|
Leadership & Culture |
New question within staff survey to measure sustainability in leadership Interim KPI until above implemented is: % of University leadership (UEB, Operations Board, Academic Leadership Board, Faculty Boards, Divisional Directors) completing certified Carbon Literacy training |
Under review |
Year on year increase
95% by end 2026/27 |
|
Supply Chain & Circularity |
% of supply chain by £ with Scope 3 emissions data measured using product or supplier-based method rather than spend-based estimates |
0% |
20% by end 2026/27 |
|
Travel & Transport |
Business flights total km |
32.2 million km (2023/24) |
25% reduction by end 2029/30 |
|
Buildings & Space |
Building energy intensity (kWh electricity, gas, heat and fuel per m₂ GIA) |
246.7 |
Year-on-year reduction |
|
Energy Supply, Water & Waste |
% energy consumption (electricity, gas, heat and fuel) from renewable sources (including grid) |
24.6% (2023/24) |
To align with Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets for 2030 |
|
Digital |
Average number of new digital devices issued per staff member and postgraduate researcher per year (initially measured through laptops, desktop PCs, tablets, monitors and mobile phones) |
0.3 |
Year-on-year reduction |
|
Research |
% of research groups with a nominated lead for embedding sustainability in research practice |
5% (estimated) |
40% by end 2026/27 |
|
Teaching & Learning |
% of students studying on UG programmes with discipline-appropriate sustainability content included in core units |
40% |
90% by end 2029/30 (100% programmes reviewed) |
|
Civic Collaboration |
No. of climate-related Living Lab projects with global or local civic partners achieving measurable impact |
Under review |
Database to be established by end 2026/27, to include measurement of impact. |
The University continues to report its emissions to specific external bodies such as the Higher Education Statistics Agency using the appropriate methodologies.
Internally, we have adopted our total Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions as a key metric of progress towards the sustainability goals set out in the University’s 2030 strategy and are working on Power BI dashboards for reporting our progress.
Over time we expect this to allow for emissions-based metrics to be included in faculty and divisional KPIs and targets, providing transparency on the contribution each part of the University is making towards our net zero goals.
Our most recent annual reports based on the our Sustainability Strategy 2020-25 are available for download here.
Find out about our progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals here.
Our EMS helps us understand, manage and reduce the environmental impact of our activities. It provides a clear framework for continuous improvement and environmental protection. Find out more.