- Increasing business flights resulting in higher carbon emissions (10.9% increase from 2022-23).
- Difficulty in reducing Scope 3 emissions due to supply chain complexities.
- Challenges in measuring and reporting the sustainability requirements in tenders.
University of Oxford
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023-08 to 2024-07 reporting, University of Oxford disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 269.1K tCO2e (Scope 1 2 and 3 combined). By scope: Scope 1: 18.2K tCO2e; Scope 2: 0 tCO2e; Scope 3: 250.9K tCO2e. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
269.1K tCO2e (Scope 1 2 and 3 combined)
2023-08 to 2024-07
Water Usage
389.7K m3
2023-08 to 2024-07
Waste
1.6K tonnes
2023-08 to 2024-07
Energy Use
119.3 million kWh (electricity from zero-carbon tariff from April 2023)
2023-08 to 2024-07
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023-08 to 2024-07)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 18.2K tCO2e |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 0 tCO2e |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 250.9K tCO2e |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2023-08 to 2024-07 | 269.1K tCO2e (Scope 1 2 and 3 combined) |
| 2022-2023 | 1.4K tCO2e (Scope 3 estimate) + 680.5 tCO2e (Scope 1) - 74.7 tCO2e (removals) = ~1996.4 tCO2e |
| 2022-08 to 2023-07 | 429.7K tCO2e (Scope 1: 18097 Scope 2: 22883 Scope 3: 288736) |
| 2020-08 to 2021-07 | 281.7K tCO2e (gross) 258795 tCO2e (net) |
| 2019-08 to 2020-06 | 49.0K tonnes CO2e (Scope 1 & 2) |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Delivered energy efficiency and carbon reduction infrastructure projects valued at about £3.4m, generating savings of 1,393 tCO2e annually.
- 5% reduction in Scope 1 carbon emissions in 2022-23 (~1,260 tCO2e savings).
- Completed the second phase of work to replace gas boilers with heat pumps at the Saïd Business School, expected to save over 114 tCO2e per year.
- Collected and diverted 6.28 tonnes of expanded polystyrene from general waste.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce carbon emissions by at least 1,000 tCO2e to meet the 2024-25 interim target.
📅 Medium-term
- Reduce carbon emissions related to energy consumption to a minimal level by 2035.
- Achieve net zero carbon and net gain in biodiversity by 2035.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ChangeBiodiversityCurriculum (Sustainability Education)Sustainable Resource UseResearch (Environmental Sustainability)International TravelLocal TravelSustainable FoodInvestments