Swansea University is a research-led institution in Wales, UK, with campuses in Swansea and Gower.
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Swansea University reports 45% absolute emissions cuts and third-party verified waste certification, but relies on grid electricity (0% green tariff), lacks SBTi validation, and reversed its fossil fuel careers fair exclusion in 2026—a specific credible retreat from prior climate commitments.
Swansea University scores 56/100 (Making progress) on SINK's independent climate assessment, scored from public data only. Fees pay for the review, never the result. Last verified September 2026.
That places Swansea University joint 34th of 847 companies scored, and joint 4th of 67 in Higher Education / Universities.
Where Swansea University sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 67 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, Swansea University is tied =4th of 67, with 3 others.
Its three lowest-scoring questions, and what the evidence didn't show.
The full reasoning is in the ten questions below.
No watershed engagement programme.
Not on SBTi dashboard; self-set targets lack SBTi validation.
A score changes when the evidence does. We use new published evidence at the next rescore. Evidence that isn't public can count through an evidence review.
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Get in touch →Strongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Emissions Trajectory (7/10, 7/10). Weakest on Energy Source and Water Impact (4/10, 5/10).
The 3 companies in the sector scoring nearest above Swansea University.
Manchester Met has cut Scope 1+2 emissions 65% since 2005 and publishes audited sustainability data annually.
See the breakdown →Lancaster has cut operational emissions 44% since 2005 and installed significant renewable capacity, but recycling collapsed to 28% from 72%, masking weak resource management.
See the breakdown →LJMU has achieved genuine absolute emissions cuts (65.5% since 2005) backed by statutory HESA data and ISO 14001 verification.
See the breakdown →The formula and all 18 sources.
Same ten questions for every company. No private weighting.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale18 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which of the ten questions it informed.
9 of 18 sources are independent of the company.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions 10,763.1 tCO₂e, 2023/24, UKPRN 10007855”
“The methodology used to calculate the carbon footprint follows the guidance set out in the GHG Protocol's corporate standard.”
“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 calculated in the following areas: Waste, Water, Procurement (supply chain), staff and student business trips, commuting”
“Calculating & Reporting Scope 3 Supply Chain Emissions – Swansea University”
“Scope 3 carbon emissions from business travel, staff commuting, student commuting, waste, water supply, wastewater treatment, supply chain”
“The University has already cut carbon emissions from its campuses and fleet by 45 per cent”
“23% increase in total fleet mileage, and a doubling of diesel fueled mileage has increase overall emissions”
“1800 new roof solar panels installed across both campuses, reducing the need to consume grid electricity”
“Swansea University has delivered £156,000 in energy and operational savings as part of a programme to modernise its two campuses”
“Tim completed over 300 habitat condition surveys, giving us a biodiversity baseline on which to build.”
“managing Crymlyn Burrows as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and earning Bee Friendly and Hedgehog Friendly Gold status”
“Swansea University is a Zero Waste to Landfill university... the Carbon Trust”
“Chartwells achieving a Three-Star Food Made Good Standard — the highest accreditation awarded by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).”
“committed to achieving zero carbon for direct emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 2035, with at least a 70% reduction by 2030”
“Its goal is net-zero carbon across Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035, with Scope 3 emissions cut by half.”
“removed pledges from its Ethical Careers Policy to 'not knowingly devise marketing campaigns advertising...roles which contribute to the detrimental effects of the fossil fuels'”
“The Estates Management Record (EMR)... is a statutory requirement for HEPs in Wales”
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Swansea University is a research-led institution in Wales, UK, with campuses in Swansea and Gower. It serves students and is a major regional employer. The university operates across engineering, sciences, business, and humanities disciplines.
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