Carbon reductions bolster Reading’s People and Planet rank

11 December 2025

Effectively reducing and managing carbon emissions has helped the University of Reading to achieve fourth place in the 2025/26 People and Planet League Table.

The new ranking means Reading retains its top five sustainable UK university status, a key strategic aim for the University. The table, which measures UK universities by their environmental and ethical performances, placed Reading fourth in 2024/2025 and first in 2023/2024.

Reading's score of 77.1% represents an improvement from 74% last year, with this year’s marks highlighting the University’s particular progress in Carbon Reduction and Managing Carbon.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said:

"Since we topped this table in 2023, it is really good to see that many universities have raised their game on sustainability. After all, caring for our planet is in everybody's interest.

"Our continued strong performance reflects the determination of our staff to push further on sustainability and environmental action. Our new Net Zero Carbon Plan shows we're serious about cutting emissions over the next decade and beyond, targeting reductions in our supply chain, student accommodation, and international travel.

"As we celebrate our centenary in 2026, we're proud of our environmental achievements, but we must continue leading on climate action to shape a better world for the next 100 years."

Categories in which the University of Reading scored full marks were:

Policy and Strategy

Managing Carbon

Sustainable Food

Staff and HR

Environmental auditing

The University of Reading also scored highly for its Ethical Investing and Banking strategy, its Staff and Student Engagement work, and its approach to Education for Sustainable Development.

View the full People & Planet University League table.

Read more about the University of Reading’s sustainability plans and achievements: