UPP has achieved a wide range of environmental sustainability targets and recorded impressive achievements in social value terms alongside strong corporate governance.
The publication of the company’s third annual sustainability report – ‘Building Sustainable Futures’ – details the tangible progress made by UPP, who works in partnership with 15 leading universities in England and Wales.
The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) achievements follow on from UPP being awarded a Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) score of 93% for the year – an independently conducted assessment.
“There is always more to do, but I am proud of our progress. Together, we are laying strong foundations for an even more sustainable future at UPP.”
Elaine Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer, UPP
The report has been independently assured and is published in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative Standards, the international benchmark for businesses reporting on sustainability.
Additionally, UPP’s carbon baseline has been externally reviewed and the pathway to achieve net zero carbon has been validated by the Carbon Baseline & Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
“These achievements across the environment, social and governance spaces are testament to UPP’s genuine commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
“I am proud of the focus on sustainability of our teams across the country and the substantial progress we have made in implementing our ESG strategy. We are helping to build sustainable futures for our university partners, our student residents and our people.”
Elaine Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer, UPP
Highlights of the latest Annual Sustainability Report include:
- 7.1% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions.
- 7.2% reduction in electric consumption.
- 3.2% reduction in fossil fuel consumption.
- Water efficiency improved by 8%.
- Biodiversity Net Gain of 2.65%.
- Over £1.6m of social value generated.
- Awarded ‘Gold’ by Investors in People for the second time.
- A partnership with Architype, the UK’s leading experts in zero carbon design, helps universities plan sustainable campuses.
“We have developed an in-house programme designed to influence student behaviours across all our sites. This programme includes a variety of initiatives such as content on ‘Home at Halls’, (our student resident app), social media campaigns, online competitions, and tailored waste guides to encourage eco-friendly practices.
“Additionally, we are rolling out targeted communications with content from student creators, articles that raise awareness, and leaderboards that highlight the best-performing sites. These efforts aim to foster a culture of sustainability and actively engage students in reducing energy and water use while improving recycling rates.”
Building Sustainable Futures report, UPP
