University of Aberdeen is a research-led institution in northeast Scotland.
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Aberdeen has cut operational emissions 52.5% since 2005 and publishes verified data annually, but renewable energy procurement remains near-zero at 0%, and biodiversity/waste metrics lack measurable outcomes. Targets are self-set, not SBTi-validated. Scope 3 tracking exists but remains incomplete.
University of Aberdeen scores 50/100 (Making progress) on SINK's independent climate assessment, scored from public data only. Fees pay for the review, never the result. Last verified October 2026.
That places University of Aberdeen joint 149th of 847 companies scored, and joint 39th of 67 in Higher Education / Universities.
Where University of Aberdeen sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 67 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of Aberdeen is tied =39th of 67, with 5 others.
Its three lowest-scoring questions, and what the evidence didn't show.
Micro-generation (solar, CHP) exists but negligible.
No TNFD disclosure, quantified nature footprint, or ecosystem management programme with measurable outcomes documented.
HESA 2023/24 did not report recycling rate or waste kg/FTE—material gap.
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 Controversies & Red Flags and Carbon Footprint — Operations (8/10, 7/10). Weakest on Energy Source and Nature & Biodiversity Impact (2/10, 3/10).
The 3 companies in the sector scoring nearest above University of Aberdeen.
Glasgow Caledonian University reports comprehensive Scope 1+2 emissions data with a verified 27.7% reduction since 2005, but remains entirely gas-powered with zero renewable energy.
See the breakdown →CCCU has cut operational emissions 51% since 2005 and ranks gold-tier for energy efficiency among UK universities.
See the breakdown →Teesside University has cut operational emissions 42% since 2005 and maintains zero waste to landfill, backed by statutory HESA reporting.
See the breakdown →The formula and all 12 sources.
Same ten questions for every company. No private weighting.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale12 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which of the ten questions it informed.
6 of 12 sources are independent of the company.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions 12,584.2 tCO₂e, 2023/24, UKPRN 10007783”
“Scope 1 accounts for 40.5% of the emissions baseline, Scope 2 for 34.4%, and Scope 3 for 25.1%”
“All of our emissions reporting is consistent with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocols and the Scottish Government's Public Bodies Climate Change Duty”
“The sector can use the Domestic and International Student Travel Emissions Calculator Tool developed by the University of Aberdeen”
“carbon footprint reduced by 49.3% between 2015/16 and 2023/24”
“140 HE providers submitted Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions data to HESA through the Estates management record for 2023/24”
“the University developed a climate adaptation strategy in 2025, informed by a local risk assessment and initial action plan”
“We aim to reduce the volume of waste we produce and to encourage reuse and recycling”
“Reduce water consumption year-on-year. Improve leak identification through effective water metering.”
“The move came after a nine year campaign by Aberdeen students involved with People & Planet”
“following the University of Aberdeen's similar commitment in 2021”
“project lead Professor Tavis Potts, co-coordinator of the University of Aberdeen's Just Transition Lab”
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University of Aberdeen is a research-led institution in northeast Scotland. One of the UK's older universities, it operates multiple campuses in Aberdeen, offering undergraduate and postgraduate education across sciences, engineering, medicine, law, and humanities.
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