University of Surrey is a public research institution in Guildford, England.
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Surrey has disclosed Scope 1+2 emissions and a 2030 net-zero target using SBTi methodology, but renewable energy remains effectively absent (0.1% on-site generation), and Scope 3 data is three years stale. The 2030 plan relies on purchasing offsets for 54% of residual emissions. Transparency is solid; execution gaps are material.
University of Surrey scores 49/100 (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 University of Surrey joint 169th of 847 companies scored, and joint 45th of 67 in Higher Education / Universities.
Where University of Surrey sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 67 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of Surrey is tied =45th of 67, with 7 others.
Its three lowest-scoring questions, and what the evidence didn't show.
The full reasoning is in the ten questions below.
No supplier engagement programme with measurable targets.
No published year-on-year reduction target or watershed-level stewardship programme.
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 Energy Source and Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain (2/10, 4/10).
The 3 companies in the sector scoring nearest above University of Surrey.
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.
See the breakdown →Derby's carbon disclosures are methodologically sound but operationally modest.
See the breakdown →Manchester has science-aligned 2038 zero-carbon targets and genuine third-party verified emissions data, but is materially off-trajectory: Scope 1+2 fell only 4% in 2023 versus the required 13% annual cut, and total Scope 3 emissions rose 18% since 2018.
See the breakdown →The formula and all 15 sources.
Same ten questions for every company. No private weighting.
SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale15 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which of the ten questions it informed.
“14,693.4 tCO₂e Scope 1+2, UKPRN 10007160, 2023/24 Estates Management Record”
“"The University measures its scope 1 & 2 emissions using the higher education developed 'Standard Carbon Model'."”
“"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 Accounting Report, authored by University of Surrey Sustainability Team”
“"reducing scope 1 & 2 emissions by 19% in comparison to the baseline year"”
“"will step up its on-site renewable energy generation from 0.1% to 20% of total annual demand"”
“"Set to go live in 2025, the solar farm will be in operation for 35 years before being decommissioned."”
“"projected 24% biodiversity net gain (BNG) for habitat units, a 49% increase for hedgerows, and a 35% gain for watercourse units"”
“Operational Waste Management Plan 2025–2028 V1.0, referencing Procurement Plan 2024”
“"The University's Operational Waste Management Plan set outs our aims to divert 100% of waste from landfill."”
“"implemented intelligent controls, and reduced flush and flow rates across our campus to prevent water wastage"”
“"reduce absolute carbon emissions by 46 per cent over the subsequent 10 years... In 2030, the University will purchase carbon offsets to cover the remaining 54 per cent."”
“"Surrey's researchers share ideas and provide guidance on how other universities can apply the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)."”
“"Read the latest Sustainability Report (2024-2025) (PDF)"”
“No University of Surrey lobbying profile found on InfluenceMap's LobbyMap database”
If you believe a source has been misread or a newer version exists, submit a challenge.
University of Surrey is a public research institution in Guildford, England. It operates across science, technology, engineering, and social sciences, serving students. As a mid-sized UK higher education provider, it contributes to local carbon emissions through campus operations, supply chains, and student/staff travel.
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