The Open University (OU), headquartered in Great Britain, is a leading provider of higher education and lifelong learning opportunities across the UK and beyond. Established in 1969, it has grown to become a prominent institution within the education services sector, specialising in flexible, distance learning programmes. The OU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, distinguished by their accessibility and innovative online delivery methods.
As a pioneer in open and distance education, the Open University has earned a strong reputation for providing quality education to diverse student populations. Its commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence has positioned it as a key player in the UK’s higher education landscape. With a history of milestones and a focus on lifelong learning, the OU continues to shape the future of accessible education.
+17 vs industry average
Open University’s score of 41 is higher than 67% 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
Education Services has below-average carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Education Services industry has reduced its overall emissions by 18% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2026
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Open University's reported carbon emissions
The Open University, an education services provider based in Great Britain, has set ambitious climate commitments, including achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030 for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The university is actively working towards this goal through various initiatives such as retrofitting and optimising buildings to reduce energy consumption, improving space utilisation to better reflect hybrid working, and decarbonising heating systems to electric or zero-carbon technologies. They also plan to increase onsite renewable energy generation and have committed to purchasing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
In terms of emissions data, for 2023, the university reported Scope 1 and 2 emissions totalling approximately 2,000,000 kg CO2e. This represents a reduction from the 2022 figure of approximately 1,000,000 kg CO2e. Prior to this, in 2021, Scope 1 and 2 emissions were reported as 0.0 kg CO2e.
Beyond near-term targets, the Open University has committed to achieving net zero emissions from all other indirect emissions (Scope 3) no later than 2050. This long-term vision is supported by a commitment to continually reduce their environmental impact and associated Scope 3 emissions through effective waste avoidance and resource recovery management practices.
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Open University’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
2025
Near-zero scope 1 & 2
Target to achieve near-zero emissions for direct operations and purchased energy
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.
Showing SBTi-validated targets only. Sign up or sign in to see all disclosed climate targets.
Scope 3 top emissions categories
No scope 3 category breakdown has been disclosed yet.
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Open University
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