Ulster University Sustainability Profile
Ulster University, a prominent institution in higher education, is headquartered in Great Britain, with major operational regions across Northern Ireland and beyond. Founded in 1968, the university has established itself as a leader in research and innovation, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Specialising in areas such as health, engineering, and business, Ulster University is renowned for its commitment to applied research and community engagement. Its unique approach to education combines academic excellence with practical experience, preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce. With a strong market position, Ulster University has received numerous accolades for its contributions to education and research, making it a key player in the UK’s academic landscape.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Ulster University'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.
Industry Average
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.
Industry Benchmark
Ulster University's score of 48 is higher than 73% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Ulster University's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Ulster University reported total carbon emissions of approximately 45,500,000 kg CO2e across all scopes. This includes Scope 1 emissions of about 4,455,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions of around 3,299,000 kg CO2e. The university's Scope 3 emissions were significantly higher, with major contributions from purchased goods and services (approximately 53,819,000 kg CO2e) and employee commuting (about 20,925,000 kg CO2e). Comparatively, in 2023, the university's total emissions were about 48,430,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at 4,843,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 at 3,390,000 kg CO2e. The Scope 3 emissions for that year totalled approximately 66,919,000 kg CO2e, indicating a substantial reliance on indirect emissions sources. Ulster University has made significant strides in reducing its operational carbon emissions. From 2005/06 to 2023/24, the university successfully reduced its campus operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) from approximately 19,889,000 kg CO2e to 7,754,000 kg CO2e, achieving a reduction of about 61%. The university is actively pursuing net zero carbon commitments, with initiatives including a Net Zero Modelling exercise aimed at establishing a viable route to net zero by 2025. This includes a campus Net Zero Buildings Project initiated in 2023/24 to explore options for carbon reduction across various building types. Overall, Ulster University is committed to addressing its carbon footprint through targeted reduction strategies and long-term sustainability initiatives, reflecting a proactive approach to climate action.
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| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 4,658,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000 | - | - | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 8,952,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000 | - | - | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | - | 0,000,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 00,000,000 | - | - | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Ulster University's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Ulster University's Location?
Ulster University's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Ulster University's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 19% last year and increased by approximately 958% since 2010, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 68% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Ulster University's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
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.
Ulster University 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.
