University of Cambridge scores 53/100 (Making progress) on SINK's independent climate assessment — scored from public data only, no company payment can change a number. Last verified October 2026.
That places University of Cambridge joint 77th of 809 companies scored, and joint 16th of 67 in Higher Education / Universities.
Cambridge has audited operational emissions falling 66% since 2015 and a wind PPA covering 17% of electricity. But Scope 3 remains unmeasured, recent gas consumption rose 4%, and fossil fuel research partnerships (Shell, BP) undercut divestment claims. Incomplete decarbonisation masked by headline numbers.
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SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × ScaleStrongest on Carbon Footprint — Operations and Transparency & Accountability (8/10, 7/10). Weakest on Water Impact and Targets & Commitments (4/10, 5/10).
12 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.
“Total scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions: 51,055.8 tCO2e (2023/24, UKPRN 10007788, HESA Table-3)”
“the University's total energy use is on an upward trend; total electricity consumption has increased by around 9% since 2015-16”
“Market-based emissions increased by 1.7% in 2024-25 against 2023-24 levels”
“Cambridge has become the first university in the world to announce that it has adopted a 1.5 degrees Science Based Target”
“the University has introduced a new Supplier Code of Conduct, which sets out the minimum sustainability and environmental standards”
“PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has performed an Independent Limited Assurance engagement on selected balances within the 2024-25 data”
“We are making sure we comply with mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements in a way that benefits nature as much as possible”
“The introduction of separate food waste collections has increased operational waste recycling rates to 50% in 2024-25”
“As Cambridge is a water stressed area, we have a responsibility to ensure that our water use is managed effectively”
“We have yet to establish an accurate trend relating to our water use”
“Tens of millions in collegiate investments were also shown to be put into Vanguard funds, an asset manager that has led a pushback against environmental and social governance”
“Cambridge University has a goal of absolute net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2038. In 2020, it also pledged to divest its £3.5 billion endowment”
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Where University of Cambridge sits among higher education / universities peers.
Among the 67 major higher education / universities brands we've scored, University of Cambridge is tied =16th of 67, with 10 others.
As University of Cambridge's score updates, the trajectory will appear here.
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University of Cambridge is a collegiate research university in England. A leading global institution in higher education, science, and research. Operates a substantial operational estate plus rural property, research laboratories, and press/assessment subsidiaries.
Peer UK research university; similar scale, endowment, research footprint, operational emissions tracking.
View breakdown →Russell Group research university; large operational estate; comparable water stress and circular economy reporting.
View breakdown →UK research university; active LEAF lab efficiency programme; waste and resource use benchmarking comparable.
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