Kings College London
King’s College London, commonly referred to as KCL, is a prestigious higher education institution headquartered in London, GB. Established in 1829, it has a long-standing history of academic excellence and innovation within the colleges, universities, and professional schools sector. The university operates across multiple regions, with a strong presence in the UK and a growing international footprint.
Specialising in a wide range of disciplines, King’s College London offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes that are recognised for their rigorous standards and real-world relevance. Its notable achievements include pioneering research and a reputation for producing influential graduates. As one of the leading universities in the UK, King’s continues to shape knowledge and society through its diverse academic offerings and commitment to excellence.
+33 vs industry average
Kings College London’s score of 47 is higher than 100% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools has below-average carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools industry has reduced its overall emissions by 26% since 2019
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Kings College London's reported carbon emissions
King's College London, a higher education institution in Great Britain, is actively engaged in reducing its carbon footprint. For the reporting year 2025, the university reported approximately 232.9 million kg CO2e in total emissions. This figure is comprised of roughly 9.6 million kg CO2e for Scope 1, approximately 8.4 million kg CO2e for Scope 2 (market-based), and around 205 million kg CO2e for purchased goods and services within Scope 3, alongside 11.1 million kg CO2e for business travel.
Looking at previous years, total emissions for 2024 were approximately 229.8 million kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 9.8 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 (market-based) at 9.3 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 (purchased goods and services) at 201 million kg CO2e. In 2023, total emissions were around 227.1 million kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at approximately 10.8 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 (market-based) at 6.9 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 (purchased goods and services) at 195 million kg CO2e.
The university has set ambitious climate targets. It aims to become net zero by 2025 for its full Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as business travel and operational building emissions within Scope 3. Furthermore, King's College London is committed to reducing its emissions by 100% by 2050, in line with the CCA 2008 (2019 amendment). More specifically, the institution targets a 25% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and a 50% reduction by 2030, from a 2018-19 baseline. In addition, there's a target to reduce energy emissions by at least 50% by 2025, also from a 2018-19 baseline.
The university's commitment to sustainability is further underscored by its past reporting, including a reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 43% from a 2005-6 baseline by 2020. King's College London is not inheriting emissions data from a parent organization, indicating direct reporting of its own environmental impact.
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Kings College London’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
7 goals2025
King’s has committed to becoming carbon free by 2025
King’s has committed to becoming carbon free by 2025.
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
2 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Kings College London
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