Taking a science-led approach to becoming a more sustainable business.
Building sustainable
futures
Commitment with action
UPP has long led the way in sustainability, from pioneering sustainable ‘Passivhaus’ building design to establishing the UPP Foundation in order to support access to education for all. Net Zero, equality, social mobility – these are all areas about which our people are incredibly passionate.
But we recognise there is more to do to ensure our business has a positive impact on its people and on the world around us. That’s why our sustainability strategy sets out highly ambitious targets and commitments aligned to the UN Sustainability Development Goals.
At UPP, we know these SDGs have the power to change our world for the better, to ensure our impact on both people and planet is a positive one. That’s why we have incorporated alignment with the UN SDGs into our Environmental, Social and Governance strategy.
Our second annual sustainability report
Our second annual sustainability report, published in accordance with Global Reporting Initiative standards, sets out our commitments to people, place and planet, and the progress we have made during the 2022/23 financial year.
Materiality assessments: an informed, focused, measurable approach
A materiality assessment is the starting point for any sustainability strategy. It enables us to capture the voice of our stakeholders, identify areas of strategic focus, risks and opportunities for our business, and to then develop goals in order to address them.
You can find out more about UPP’s materiality assessment journey and outcomes in this report.
Our Strategy
Environment and Net Zero
Social Purpose
Championing fairness by putting people at the heart of our organisation.
Good Governance
Setting standards for a responsible business
Aligning to
UN SDGs
The UN Sustainability Development Goals are a collection of 17 global objectives designed to protect our planet, eradicate poverty and build a prosperous world for all.
They were adopted by the UN in 2015 and seek to address many global challenges, such as poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change and equality.
At UPP, we know these SDGs have the power to change our world for the better, to ensure our impact on both people and planet is a positive one. That’s why we have incorporated alignment with the UN SDGs into each area of our strategy.
Key milestones
2021
November
- Materiality assessment completed
2021
December
- Carbon baseline produced
2022
January
- Net Zero pathway developed
2022
Febuary
- UPPF publishes Student Futures Commission report calling on sector wide manifesto
- Social Value Portal
2022
March
- Commitment to Science Based Target initiative announced
2022
April
- New UPPF grants round
2022
May
- 5 year carbon management plan completed
- Employee safeguarding initiative
2022
June
- Science Based Targets validated
- Net Zero commitment announced
- Responsible supply chain charter launched
2022
July
- Business Code of Ethics published
UPP Foundation
The UPP Foundation was established in 2016 to support initiatives by universities and charities that directly support access to higher education or which supports student employability.
In addition, the UPP Foundation also provides a public policy platform enabling sector leaders, experts and the wider public the opportunity to debate the future of higher education.
