The University of Exeter is progressing its net zero ambitions through a collaborative, insight driven approach to sustainability reporting, underpinned by its long standing 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 it demonstrates 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.”

At the core of Exeter’s strategy sits a robust sustainability reporting framework, enabling transparent decision making, reliable data assurance and meaningful engagement across the organisation.

Translating climate expertise into practical action

Achieving net zero is a central strategic priority for the University of Exeter, shaped by institutional responsibility, stakeholder expectations and increasing student demand. With many academics contributing directly to global climate research and policy, aligning operations with academic leadership is critical.

“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 across the estate includes large-scale LED upgrades, optimisation of building management systems, on-site renewable energy generation, deployment of air- and ground-source heat pumps, expansion of 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.”

Building a culture of sustainability

Through its Climate Strategy, the University places strong emphasis on embedding sustainability across teaching, research and day-to-day operations. Its approach centres on aligning high-quality data with action and clear communication to support net zero delivery.

A Sustainability Culture Change Task & Finish Group has been established to support this agenda and is currently developing benchmark metrics that will be hosted within a dedicated data dashboard. These indicators will help track behavioural change over time.

Behaviour-led initiatives already play a key role in cutting emissions while increasing engagement. One example is Exeter’s Gift It, Reuse It scheme, which redistributes unwanted items left in 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 integrated into learning, with students working with real datasets through programmes such as Green Consultants.

“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 adaptable, robust reporting

As Exeter expanded its reporting scope to include Scope 3 emissions, it became clear that traditional energy systems could not support the scale and complexity required.

“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 in partnership with TEAM Energy, the University implemented a sustainability reporting framework capable of supporting detailed Scope 1, 2 and 3 reporting, automating data collection, reducing manual analysis and maintaining 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 also a key priority, particularly given the external assurance of 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.”

Driving insight, assurance and engagement

A defining strength of Exeter’s reporting framework is its ability to deliver tailored insights for a wide range of stakeholders. From executive dashboards and operational reporting to student engagement and public disclosures, the system supports flexible visualisation through Power BI integration.

“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 checks help ensure data accuracy, while external assurance has strengthened trust in the reporting process.

“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 partnership model

Both Tim and Melissa highlight the importance of collaboration within Exeter’s partnership with TEAM Energy. Rather than relying on a rigid external system, the relationship has centred on co-developing tools that reflect real-world needs while maintaining flexibility for future changes.

“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.”

Lessons for the wider sector

Reflecting on Exeter’s journey, both emphasise the importance of transparency, consistent methodology and stakeholder engagement for organisations at any stage of their sustainability journey.

“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 of sustainability performance continues to increase, Exeter’s experience shows how strong data, collaborative partnerships and a focus on engagement can translate ambition into measurable outcomes.

The University of Exeter’s journey is explored further in a detailed interview with its sustainability team.