Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS) is a prominent pension scheme provider based in Great Britain, primarily serving the higher education sector. Founded in 1974, USS has established itself as a leading player in the pension industry, managing substantial assets for universities and their employees across the UK. Headquartered in Liverpool, USS operates extensively throughout the UK, focusing on delivering robust retirement solutions. The scheme offers a range of core services, including defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans, distinguished by their commitment to sustainability and responsible investment practices. With a strong market position, USS is recognised for its innovative approach to pension management, consistently achieving notable milestones in asset growth and member satisfaction. As a trusted partner for educational institutions, USS continues to play a vital role in securing the financial futures of its members.
How does Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited'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 Funds, trusts, and financial vehicles 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.
Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited'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, Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 2,600 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2, alongside 8,500 kg CO2e for Scope 3 emissions. This reflects a decrease from 2022, when emissions were about 3,300 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and 2, and 7,200 kg CO2e for Scope 3. USS has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero emissions across its investments by 2050. This target encompasses both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Additionally, the organisation has established a near-term goal to reduce the emissions intensity of its non-sovereign assets by 25% by 2025 and by 50% by 2030, using a 2019 baseline for reference. USS's emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organisation, indicating that these figures are independently reported. The organisation's commitment to sustainability aligns with industry standards, reflecting a proactive approach to climate change mitigation.
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.
Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited 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.

