Open University, often referred to as OU, is a pioneering institution in the field of distance learning, headquartered in Milton Keynes, GB. Founded in 1969, it has transformed higher education by making it accessible to a diverse range of learners across the UK and beyond. The university primarily operates in the education sector, specialising in flexible, high-quality degree programmes and professional development courses. Open University is renowned for its innovative approach to teaching, utilising cutting-edge technology and a rich array of resources to support students. Its unique model allows individuals to study at their own pace, making it a leader in the distance education market. With over 2 million students having enrolled since its inception, Open University has achieved significant milestones, including numerous awards for its commitment to inclusivity and educational excellence.
How does Open University's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Education Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Open University's score of 25 is higher than 52% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, The Open University reported total carbon emissions of approximately 2,000,000 kg CO2e, encompassing Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This figure represents a significant increase from 2022, when emissions were about 1,000,000 kg CO2e. Notably, in 2021, the university recorded zero emissions in these scopes, indicating a previous commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The Open University has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. However, specific reduction targets or initiatives have not been disclosed, and there are no emissions data cascaded from a parent organization. The university's emissions data reflects its ongoing efforts to address climate change, although further details on specific reduction strategies or achievements are currently unavailable. Historically, emissions have fluctuated, with figures reaching about 9,411,000 kg CO2e in 2017 and decreasing to approximately 7,837,000 kg CO2e in 2018, and 7,085,000 kg CO2e in 2019. The Open University continues to work towards its sustainability goals, as outlined in its Net Zero Carbon 2030 Plan.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
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Companies disclose and commit to reducing emissions to show they are serious about reducing emissions impact over time. They can also help a company track its progress over time.
Open University is not participating in any of the initiatives that we track. This may change over time as the company engages with new initiatives or updates its commitments. DitchCarbon will update this information as it becomes available.