Canterbury Christ Church University has topped new UK rankings for energy efficiency, while the University of Edinburgh failed to receive a rating.
The analysis, published in October 2026 by comparison site Uswitch, used the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data to score universities on energy use, emissions, and renewable generation per student and staff member between 2022-23 and 2023-24, awarding top institutions a Gold, Silver, or Bronze ranking.
Canterbury Christ Church reported a 40 per cent cut in energy use and emissions, despite its campus population growing by around 40 per cent. The University of West London, also rated Gold, generated 23.2 per cent of its energy from renewables, the highest share of all universities analysed.
Liverpool John Moores University led the Silver tier, reducing energy use by 7.20 per cent from 2023-2023 to 2024-2025.
Of all universities in Edinburgh, only Queen Margaret University received a rating, placing in the Bronze tier.
The University of Edinburgh was assessed but did not feature, despite ranking fourth in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026. HESA figures show its Scope 1 and 2 emissions fell from around 62,100 tonnes of CO2e in 2022-23 to 61,200 tonnes in 2023-24, and to 56,900 tonnes in 2024-25.
Some students said the University’s absence reflected wider concerns about its environmental record.
Asked whether she was surprised Edinburgh did not feature, one student said: “Edinburgh University is so prestigious, but I feel it’s not living up to its image […] what I signed up for is not what it’s constantly proving itself to be.”
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said league tables use different methodologies, “which can have an impact on positioning.”
“We recognise that we need to increase our pace and, in March 2026, launched our new Regenerative Sustainability strategy,” the spokesperson added.
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash.
