UCL publishes Annual Sustainability Report 2024–25, showcasing progress powered by community

Covering the 2024–25 academic year, the report marks the first year reporting against the new UCL Sustainability Plan 2025–2035, and marks a moment of transition from the Change Possible strategy into the next decade of delivery. It shows how progress on carbon, waste, biodiversity, education and research has been driven not only by institutional commitments, but by staff, students and academics embedding sustainability into everyday work.

Across campuses, labs, offices and teaching spaces, sustainability has increasingly become part of how UCL operates. The report highlights that energy use fell by 2%, and scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions dropped by 6%, taking total emissions from buildings and energy use to 56% below our 2018–19 baseline. Waste per person has reduced by 66% since 2019 and recycling rates continued to rise across the academic estate.

At a global level, UCL’s approach continues to be recognised. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Sustainability, UCL retained first place in the UK and rose to third globally, including a world-leading ranking for knowledge exchange. In research environments, engagement with the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) rose, with 271 laboratories taking part during the year, a 75% increase on the previous year. 

UCL’s campuses have also been used as testbeds for innovation through living lab projects, bringing together staff and students. During 2024–25, interdisciplinary teams explored challenges such as data-driven energy reduction, sustainable digital infrastructure and embedding sustainability into research practices.

Across education, student demand and creativity have continued to shape sustainability activity. New initiatives, such as piloting the Sustainable Futures induction and developing new interdisciplinary electives linked to the Grand Challenges, reflect a growing focus on equipping students with the skills needed to lead in a sustainable future.

Sustainability action has also been visible in professional services and campus life. A trial of a reusable cup deposit scheme at UCL East dramatically reduced disposable cup use, while behind the scenes, estates teams continued to deliver energy efficiency improvements and decarbonisation planning across complex infrastructure.

Food at UCL, recently shortlisted for the Green Gown awards in the sustainable food innovation category, expanded its use of carbon labelling and increased plant-forward menu options. In parallel, a partnership with a local charity helped divert surplus event food to support people experiencing homelessness.

Biodiverse spaces continued to expand across the estate, including major enhancements linked to the UCL200 Physical Legacy works in the Main Quad and Gordon Square.

Harriet Waters, Director of Sustainability, said: 

“This report is about both accountability and momentum. It shows the very real progress our community is making, from cutting carbon and waste to transforming how we teach, research and operate, while also being honest about where we still need to go. What’s most exciting is seeing how sustainability is being shaped and delivered by people across UCL, often in creative and unexpected ways.”

Looking ahead, the Sustainability Plan 2025–2035 sets out a framework for embedding sustainability more deeply into governance, decision-making and local planning across faculties and professional services divisions. Future reports will track progress against new commitments, including biodiversity net gain, sustainable research practices and whole-life approaches to resources and infrastructure.

Explore the full 2024-2025 UCL Sustainability Report and Executive Summary