Sustainability at UoE
At UoE, sustainability isn’t just a goal – it’s a responsibility we are acting on every day. Through our Strategy 2030, we’ve pledged to lead bold and meaningful action in response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
We recognise that all aspects of our activities contribute to our carbon and ecological footprint and that as a global leader in climate research and educator of future generations, we can have a positive impact. We’re implementing a comprehensive and institution-wide approach that embeds sustainability into everything we do. From innovative research to everyday operations, we’re building a culture where sustainable thinking shapes decisions at every level.
The University has invested in building a dedicated Sustainability team that plays a key role in delivering on the University’s sustainability commitments.
Hear more from Jo Chamberlain (our Director of Sustainability) in the video below, and discover how our vision is being turned into reality.
What we are doing?
You can read about our latest sustainability highlights in our annual Sustainability Reports.
Our league table rankings
Top 30
in the World Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 and top 50 since 2022.
9th
in the People & Planet University League 20245/25.
Top 30
in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for sustainability.
Emissions reduction targets
Near-term: 26% reduction by 2030 for all scope 1, 2 and 3 categories, with the exception of international student out-of-term travel.
Long-term: 90% reduction by 2050 across all scopes, including international student out-of-term travel, by at least 90% by 2050 and using insetting to achieve the balance to net zero.
Apprentices from an ethnically diverse background: Retention rate of 82.0% and achievement rate of 79.8%.
Apprentices who had declared disabilities: Retention rate of 82.6% and achievement rate of 79.1%.
Nature positive targets
Biodiversity value of the University campuses is increased by 20% for habitats by 2030, with a stretch goal of 30%, from a baseline of 2020.
The overall impact on biodiversity of all our activities is reduced by 20% by 2030.
Collective action
We also know real change requires collective action. That’s why your support matters. Whether you’re a student, staff member or other stakeholder, every action you take contributes to our collective progress. Your voice, your choices and your ideas move us closer to a future that’s fairer and greener for all.
Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, we’re glad our paths have crossed. As current students and future alumni, we invite you to share your ideas, take action and help shape a legacy that reflects your time at the University of Exeter. Your contributions matter, and they’ll live on long after your graduation.
Keep reading, get inspired and be part of the solution.
Collective action
We also know real change requires collective action. That’s why your support matters. Whether you’re a student, staff member or other stakeholder, every action you take contributes to our collective progress. Your voice, your choices and your ideas move us closer to a future that’s fairer and greener for all.
Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, we’re glad our paths have crossed. As current students and future alumni, we invite you to share your ideas, take action and help shape a legacy that reflects your time at the University of Exeter. Your contributions matter, and they’ll live on long after your graduation.
We also know real change requires collective action. That’s why your support matters. Whether you’re a student, staff member or other stakeholder, every action you take contributes to our collective progress. Your voice, your choices and your ideas move us closer to a future that’s fairer and greener for all.
Wherever you are in your sustainability journey, we’re glad our paths have crossed. As current students and future alumni, we invite you to share your ideas, take action and help shape a legacy that reflects your time at the University of Exeter. Your contributions matter, and they’ll live on long after your graduation.
Change pic