The score also places UPP in the top 25% of infrastructure asset owners worldwide
UPP, the leading provider of on-campus student accommodation, infrastructure and support services in the UK, has been ranked first amongst student accommodation providers in the 2026 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assessment.
UPP achieved a score of 98.4, earning a four-star GRESB rating. The result places UPP in the top 25% of infrastructure asset owners in the scheme.
GRESB is the global benchmark for Environmental, Social and Governance performance in real assets. It assesses not only environmental performance but also how organisations look after their people, customers, communities and governance. To rank top in the sector is evidence of UPP’s pioneering approach to sustainability.
Elaine Hewitt, UPP CEO, said:
“A GRESB score of 98.4, and the top ranking in our sector, is an outstanding result. To be recognised externally in this way reflects the commitment of our people to sustainability in everything we do. UPP is a leader in sustainability, to the benefit of our people, our partners, our student residents and our planet.”
William Ray, Director of Energy and ESG, added:
“Our 2026 GRESB score is the result of real sustainability focus and commitment. This matters to our university partners, and to many of their students.”
UPP sustainability highlights over the past year include:
- Year-on-year reduction of gas use for the fifth year running.
- Fall in electricity consumption following a £7.8m investment programme at sites.
- Water usage fell by around 10% following a focused programme of leak detection and repair.
- 44% recycling rate on additional waste streams, including waste generated as students move in and out at the start and end of the academic year.
The next phase in UPP’s strategy accelerates infrastructure investment. This includes replacing gas boilers with heat pump systems, expanding solar PV, and further upgrades to controls.
The company is also expanding its campus footprint sustainably, developing one of Europe’s largest higher education residences targeting both Passivhaus certification, and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification in partnership with the University of Exeter.
