UK Research and Innovation

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), headquartered in GB, a public administration and defence services organisation, is committed to reducing its carbon emissions. For the 2025 reporting year, UKRI reported total emissions of approximately 50 million kg CO2e. This figure comprises Scope 1 emissions of approximately 540,000 kg CO2e (including mobile combustion and fugitive emissions), and Scope 2 emissions of approximately 33.8 million kg CO2e, primarily from purchased electricity. Scope 3 emissions for 2025 are estimated at approximately 15.6 million kg CO2e, with business travel and fuel and energy-related activities being significant contributors.

In 2024, total emissions were approximately 60 million kg CO2e. Scope 1 emissions stood at roughly 740,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at approximately 33.7 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at around 11.8 million kg CO2e.

UKRI has set ambitious reduction targets. For the near term, aiming by 2025, UKRI has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 65% and direct emissions by 30% compared to a 2017 baseline. The organisation reported a 65% reduction in GHG scope emissions and a 30% reduction in direct emissions by 2022, indicating progress towards these goals.

Emissions data for prior years shows a downward trend. In 2023, total emissions were approximately 70 million kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at around 330,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at roughly 28.9 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at approximately 8.1 million kg CO2e. In 2022, total emissions amounted to approximately 80 million kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 330,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at around 32.5 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at approximately 7.8 million kg CO2e. Earlier years show higher total emissions, for instance, 150 million kg CO2e in 2017, with Scope 3 business travel at 6.5 million kg CO2e.

UKRI's reporting is not cascaded from a parent organisation, indicating that the reported emissions data and reduction targets are specific to UKRI.