The University of Glasgow, a prestigious institution located in Glasgow, Scotland, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. Founded in 1451, it stands as one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, with a rich history marked by significant milestones in education and scholarship. As a leading player in the higher education sector, the university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, and engineering. Its unique approach to research, particularly in areas such as health, technology, and social sciences, positions it at the forefront of academic advancement. With a strong global presence and a vibrant student community, the University of Glasgow consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and is celebrated for its contributions to society and the economy.
How does The University of Glasgow'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.
The University of Glasgow's score of 26 is lower than 53% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2023, The University of Glasgow reported carbon emissions of approximately 254,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3, specifically from waste generated in operations. This figure represents a significant decrease from 2022, when emissions from the same category were about 820,000 kg CO2e. The university's emissions data for 2021 indicates a broader scope of emissions, including 15,551,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 (stationary combustion, mobile combustion, and fugitive emissions) and 11,645,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 (purchased electricity). Additionally, Scope 3 emissions included 829,000 kg CO2e from employee commuting and 89,000 kg CO2e from purchased goods and services. The University of Glasgow has not set specific reduction targets or climate pledges, and there are no cascaded data from a parent organization. The institution is actively working towards understanding and managing its carbon footprint, with a commitment to sustainability reflected in its emissions reporting. Overall, the university's emissions strategy appears focused on monitoring and reducing waste-related emissions, contributing to its broader climate commitments.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 15,737,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 32,343,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 15,537,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 000,000 | 00,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 000,000 |
The University of Glasgow's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 50% last year and decreased by approximately 94% since 2015, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Their carbon footprint includes suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 3% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Employee Commuting" being the largest emissions source at 90% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
The University of Glasgow has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

