University of Chester is a mid-sized UK teaching and research institution with approximately 13,000 FTE students and staff.
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University of Chester has documented carbon operations via statutory HESA reporting but lacks external verification and Scope 3 disclosure. Its 2030 net zero target is self-set without validation, and a 12.3% absolute emissions reduction since 2005 falls far short of what's needed. Renewable energy is only 14.6% of supply, with major solar and heat pump work delayed to 2028.
University of Chester scores 44/100 (Below expectations) 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 University of Chester joint 278th of 847 companies scored, and 58th of 67 in Higher Education / Universities.
Where University of Chester sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 67 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of Chester sits 58th of 67.
Its three lowest-scoring questions, and what the evidence didn't show.
No consolidated Scope 3 total or formal supply chain emissions assessment published.
No current green PPA or majority-renewable supply.
No TNFD disclosure, biodiversity action plan, or ecological surveys with net gain metrics found.
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, 6/10). Weakest on Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain and Energy Source (3/10, 3/10).
The 3 companies in the sector scoring nearest above University of Chester.
University of Stirling has cut operational emissions 42% since 2007 and publishes dual statutory disclosures, but supply chain emissions remain unquantified and renewable energy was zero in 2023/24.
See the breakdown →Glasgow School of Art demonstrates real emissions reductions (31.9% intensity improvement over nine years) and exceptional waste management (93.9% recycling), but lags critically on renewable energy—zero on-site generation and no confirmed green tariff.
See the breakdown →Leeds Arts University operates a genuinely small carbon footprint (579 tCO₂e) with verified seven-year reductions of 35%.
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.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions (Kg CO2e), 2023/24 — HESA Table-3, UKPRN 10007848”
“Reporting and measurement of our progress against sustainability targets and goals”
“2030 Achieve Net Zero targets for Scope 1 & 2 — UoC Sustainability Team”
“As a large organisation the University can influence the wider environment, particularly through how and what goods and services we purchase”
“Planting new areas with naturalising spring bulbs that are pollinator friendly — including snowdrops, crocus, narcissi, fritillaria”
“Our frameworks, commitments and decision-making processes that guide how sustainability is managed and embedded at the University”
“Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy — meet the sustainability team”
“Sustainability Policy 2026/27 … Sustainable Food and Catering Policy … Tree Management and Protection Policy”
“replacement of end-of-life gas boilers with heat pump technology, installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic panels”
“Other organisations to be awarded funding include Manchester City Council, the University of Chester”
“we aim to increase recycling rates to 65% by 2025 and 75% by 2030”
“The University's Grounds and Gardens and Sustainability team has created a whole new space for nature on a plot of land next to the institution's Sumner House accommodation block”
If you believe a source has been misread or a newer version exists, submit a challenge.
University of Chester is a mid-sized UK teaching and research institution with approximately 13,000 FTE students and staff. Based in Chester, England, it operates multiple campuses and offers programmes across arts, sciences, social sciences, and professional disciplines. It is a regional player in UK higher education.
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