DMU leads East Midlands universities on energy efficiency
De Montfort University Leicester has been identified as the most energy-efficient university in the East Midlands following a national comparison of energy use and carbon performance across the higher education sector.
The assessment forms part of the 2026 University Heating League, which analysed university data covering energy consumption, carbon emissions, and renewable energy adoption between the 2022 and 2024 academic years. Performance was measured using data submitted to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, with institutions grouped into national tiers based on sustainability progress.
DMU ranked in the Silver Tier nationally and recorded the strongest regional performance in the East Midlands, driven by low average energy use per student and staff member.
The outcome reflects a sustained programme of operational changes across the university estate. DMU has set a target to reach net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032, with Scope 3 emissions targeted for 2045. Delivery measures include building upgrades, smarter heating and lighting systems, and tighter campus-wide energy management.
Commenting on the approach, Karl Letten, head of sustainability at DMU, said: “We understand the impact of energy use in terms of using a finite resource and the associated carbon emissions from the use of fossil fuels to power and heat our buildings. We have committed to buy electricity from low carbon sources and through our Carbon Plan we are taking steps to reduce energy and carbon emissions across our campus. Not only does this make sound financial sense but it also contributes to our sustainability goals.”
Alongside infrastructure investment, the university has embedded sustainability training across its workforce and academic activity. Carbon literacy programmes are delivered to staff and students, with sustainability frameworks incorporated into teaching practice.
In recent years, the university has reduced carbon emissions linked to energy use by more than 60 per cent, supported by high recycling rates and expanded low-carbon travel options. These include active travel schemes, subsidised public transport, and measures to limit emissions associated with overseas travel.
The results position DMU as a leading regional operator in energy efficiency and environmental governance, underlining the growing role universities play as large-scale organisations managing complex estates, long-term energy costs, and decarbonisation strategies.
