The University of Exeter is advancing its net zero ambitions through a collaborative, data-driven approach to sustainability reporting, supported by its longstanding partnership with TEAM Energy.
As a research-intensive institution with global influence in climate and environmental science, Exeter is committed to ensuring its operational performance reflects the leadership demonstrated through teaching and research.
“As a research university with a lot of climate scientists, we have to walk the walk,” explains Tim Dennett, Sustainability Manager at the University of Exeter. “The University needed to step up and show that it can be a leader in this space, not just in the research it produces but in action.”
Central to Exeter’s strategy is a robust sustainability reporting framework that enables transparent decision-making, assured data, and meaningful engagement across the organisation.
Leveraging climate leadership for operational action
Achieving net zero is a core strategic priority, driven by institutional responsibility, stakeholder expectations, and student demand. With many academics contributing directly to international climate policy and research, aligning operations with academic leadership is essential.
“It aligns very clearly with the research the university is producing, the teaching we’re doing, and it’s a huge thing the students want to see as well,” says Tim. “Some students are choosing universities based on sustainability and how sustainable change is being implemented.”
Carbon reduction initiatives across the estate include large-scale LED upgrades, building optimisation, on-site renewable generation, heat pumps, EV infrastructure, and planned wind generation at the Penryn campus.
“We’ve got lots of things underway,” Tim explains. “And alongside that infrastructure, behavioural change is critical to reducing emissions.”
A culture of sustainability at its core
Through its Climate Strategy, the University places strong emphasis on embedding sustainability across teaching, research, and operations, aligning robust data with action and clear communication.
A ‘Sustainability Culture Change Task and Finish Group’ has been established to collate benchmark metrics for a data dashboard, enabling the University to track behaviour change over time.
Behavioural initiatives already play a key role in reducing emissions while enhancing engagement. One example is Exeter’s ‘Gift It, Reuse It’ scheme, redistributing unwanted items from student accommodation to incoming students.
“It’s been a win on several fronts,” says Tim. “We don’t have to hire skips, we’re cutting down on waste, students save money and the response from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a simple initiative, but it clearly shows how sustainability can improve the student experience.”
Sustainability data is also used in learning, with students working on real datasets through initiatives such as the Green Consultants programme.
“Sustainability at its heart is behavioural change,” Tim adds. “We can’t achieve it through infrastructure alone; we need people along with us.”
The need for robust, flexible sustainability reporting
As the University expanded to include Scope 3 emissions, traditional energy management systems could no longer meet the scale and complexity of its reporting requirements.
“When we declared a climate emergency and committed to incorporating Scope 3, we spent years trying to make existing systems work,” explains Melissa Summerfield, Sustainability Reporting Manager at the University of Exeter. “But nothing gave us the flexibility needed for such a wide range of data. We needed something more bespoke, something that could truly monitor all emissions.”
Working with TEAM Energy, the University implemented a sustainability reporting solution supporting bespoke Scope 1, 2, and 3 reporting, automated data flows, reduced analysis time, and full traceability.
“Senior management were keen to have a robust system and process in place,” Tim explains. “Reducing analytical time while keeping flexibility was essential, and the reporting framework supports that balance.”
Auditability was critical, particularly with externally assured emissions data.
“We need to be able to track a single number all the way back to its source,” says Tim. “The system allows us to do that, which provides confidence for leadership, auditors and insurers alike.”
Insight, assurance and engagement at every level
A key strength of Exeter’s framework is its ability to deliver tailored insights for different audiences, from leadership dashboards to student engagement and external reporting. Integration with Power BI enables flexible visualisation and unlimited dashboards.
“We have many stakeholders with very different needs,” Melissa explains. “The ability to present the same data in different ways, without being restricted to predefined dashboards, has been hugely important.”
Automation and validation rules ensure data quality, while external assurance strengthens confidence.
“Assurance has been hugely beneficial,” Melissa adds. “It ensures our data is reliable, but it also helps us identify where processes and documentation can be improved year on year.”
A collaborative approach to sustainability reporting
Both Tim and Melissa highlight the importance of collaboration in Exeter’s partnership with TEAM Energy. Rather than a rigid third-party system, the relationship has focused on co-developing tools that meet real-world needs while remaining adaptable.
“The system has been built collaboratively, with training along the way,” says Melissa. “It really is a partnership, not just a service, we retain control and can adapt as our requirements evolve.”
Tim agrees: “We get solutions by working together, not being dictated to. That flexibility means we’re building tools we can rely on long term.”
Sharing lessons for the wider sector
Reflecting on Exeter’s journey, both emphasise the importance of transparency, robust methodology, and engagement.
“Identify your reasons for reporting and be transparent about them,” says Tim. “Collect robust data using a consistent methodology, and celebrate progress along the way, because 2050 is a long way off.”
Melissa adds: “Robust documentation and processes are often deprioritised, but they’re essential. Without consistency, year on year comparisons become meaningless.”
As scrutiny around sustainability continues to grow, the University of Exeter’s experience shows how strong data, collaborative partnerships, and engagement can turn ambition into measurable action.
A full interview with the sustainability team explores the University’s journey in more detail.
