1.
Identification of Gaps: Strengths and Areas for Improvement
DUU has made good progress in managing its environmental impact. Its efforts show that the
university has a strong base in sustainability, but there are still areas that need improvement.
Where DUU is doing well:
Operational efficiency: DUU has successfully reduced carbon emissions by about 20% and
energy consumption by around 21%. It has also improved waste management, sending nearly
40% less waste to landfill.
Renewable energy: The university uses renewable electricity through LGCs and long-term
renewable energy contracts, which helps lower carbon emissions.
Compliance and engagement: DUU has not faced any major environmental incidents and
actively involves staff and students in sustainability activities such as Sustainability Week.
Education and research: Sustainability is included in teaching and research through a university-
wide Education for Sustainability program, along with strong research funding and partnerships.
Where DUU needs to improve:
Net Zero implementation: DUU does not yet have a complete Net Zero plan, especially for
emissions created through suppliers, travel, and other indirect activities (Scope 3).
Governance integration: Sustainability is not fully included in top-level strategy and decision-
making across the university.
Climate resilience: Plans to deal with climate risks (such as extreme weather) are still mostly in
planning stages and not fully implemented.
Data and digital systems: The university lacks real-time tracking systems, sustainability
dashboards, and integrated ESG reports.
Sustainable procurement: Sustainability performance of suppliers is monitored informally, and
systems are not consistently used across all procurement areas.
2. Industry Comparison
DUU is ranked in the 101–200 band in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings,
which shows an average sustainability performance compared to universities worldwide.
Compared to top universities: Leading institutions have clear Net Zero targets, strong ESG
governance, advanced digital tracking systems, and better integration of sustainability into
teaching and procurement.
Compared to similar universities: DUU performs well in reducing energy use, managing waste,
and engaging stakeholders. However, it falls behind in long-term sustainability strategy, Scope 3
emissions management, climate resilience, and use of digital tools.
Overall, DUU has a solid starting point but needs stronger strategy and digital systems to become
a sustainability leader.
3. Client’s Top Five Challenges
The main sustainability challenges faced by DUU are:
1. Achieving Net Zero emissions, especially by reducing Scope 3 emissions.
2. Making sustainability a core part of governance and long-term planning.
3. Turning climate adaptation plans into real actions.
4. Improving sustainable procurement and better tracking supplier performance.
5. Strengthening ESG data collection, digital measurement, and reporting systems.
4. Client’s Top Two Sustainability Priorities
Priority 1: Net Zero and Carbon Management
DUU should focus on measuring all emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and creating a clear and
realistic Net Zero plan. This will help reduce energy costs, lower regulatory risks, and improve
the university’s reputation in sustainability rankings and reports.
Priority 2: Governance, Strategy, and Digital Enablement
Sustainability should be fully integrated into leadership decisions and governance structures.
DUU should set clear KPIs, accountability systems, and use digital tools to monitor and report
sustainability performance. This will improve transparency and build trust among stakeholders.