UK universities driving down energy use and carbon emissions
20 January 2026
New analysis from energy experts at Uswitch are highlighting the UK universities making the greatest progress on energy efficiency, carbon reduction and renewable energy adoption between 2022 and 2024.
While English universities committed to deep emissions cuts more than a decade ago, nearly 60% failed to meet their 2020 greenhouse gas targets, underlining the scale of the challenge still facing the sector.
Using Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data, Uswitch benchmarked institutions based on energy consumption, carbon emissions and renewable energy use per full-time equivalent (FTE) student and staff member. Universities were then ranked into Gold, Silver and Bronze tiers to reflect relative performance and year-on-year improvement.
Gold-tier leaders
Gold-ranked universities are setting the pace on energy and carbon reduction. Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) stands out, cutting both energy consumption and carbon emissions by almost 40% in just one year, despite a 40% increase in its combined staff and student population. Around 22% of CCCU’s energy now comes from renewables, aligning with its wider strategy to halve emissions by 2030 and move towards 100% renewable energy.
The University of West London (UWL) recorded more modest, but still significant, reductions of around 11% in both energy use and emissions per FTE. It leads the ranking for renewable energy, with more than 23% of its total consumption coming from clean sources, supported by a major decarbonisation partnership expected to cut 500 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Elsewhere, Manchester Metropolitan University reduced energy use and carbon emissions by around 17%, while the University of Greenwich delivered a 22% cut in energy consumption alongside a near-17% fall in emissions.
Silver-tier progress
Silver-tier institutions also demonstrate meaningful momentum. The University of Bradford achieved one of the largest reductions in this group, cutting energy use by more than 22% and emissions by 20%. The University of Derby and the University of Bristol both delivered reductions of around 15%, with Bristol sourcing close to 10% of its energy from renewables as part of its drive to reach net-zero for scopes 1 and 2 by 2030.
Liverpool John Moores University, De Montfort University and the University of South Wales all posted steady year-on-year improvements, supported by long-term net-zero strategies extending into the 2030s and 2040s.
Bronze-tier improvements
While Bronze-tier universities generally recorded smaller gains, several still made notable strides. Edge Hill University cut energy consumption by 13%, while Aberystwyth and Lancaster universities each reduced emissions by around 10%. Renewable energy adoption also featured strongly, with Keele University generating more than 15% of its energy from renewables and Bath Spa University exceeding 12%.
Commenting on the findings, Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi says the data shows “a clear and encouraging trend” across the sector, with renewable energy adoption and targeted efficiency measures proving central to cutting costs, emissions and long-term environmental impact.
