'Green' Living

At true student, sustainability isn’t just talk — it’s something we actively deliver on across our portfolio. 

ECOsmart Certification:
All true student properties are now ECOsmart certified, a recognised third‑party sustainability standard that assesses environmental performance and responsible operations in the built environment. This achievement reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and delivering operational excellence that our guests can trust.

Solar Panels & Renewable Energy:
Several of our buildings are equipped with solar panels, generating renewable energy on‑site and helping to reduce operational carbon emissions — supporting cleaner energy use.

Utopi – Smart ESG Technology:
We also use technology from Utopi, a sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) data platform that helps us monitor and optimise energy performance in real time. Utopi’s sensor‑based system collects live data on energy use, temperature, indoor environment and more, turning this into actionable insights to reduce waste and improve building efficiency. With this data, we can better understand how buildings perform and make informed decisions that contribute to lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint.

Ongoing Commitment:
We’re continuing to build on this foundation with initiatives that track performance, enhance efficiency, and deliver meaningful ESG impact across all our student living communities — raising the bar for sustainable student accommodation.

We are at the beginning of what we know will be a long journey to ensure we have the most positive impact we can on the planet and society in the future. 

Like our students, we have much to learn, but as a team we have always prided ourselves on our warrior spirit- to which we have now added an Eco focus. 

In line with the core behaviours already embedded in the culture of our business, we now view our social and environmental responsibilities through the following sustainability lenses. 

CARE for the planet 

TRUST in the science 

ENTHUSIASM for better business 

CURIOSITY to learn more  

We are currently doing our best to care for our planet by:

• Powering our properties with green energy
• We use energy-efficient lighting, heating and air-conditioning throughout our operations
• We use water-efficient systems throughout our operations
• We have clear recycling policies in place
• We are introducing fast EV charging poits to encourage greener travel

For more information on what we are doing to create sustainable spaces for aspiring generations, please read our impact report here.

We are at the beginning of what we know will be a long journey to ensure we have the most positive impact we can on the planet and society in the future. 

Like our students, we have much to learn, but as a team we have always prided ourselves on our warrior spirit- to which we have now added an Eco focus. 

In line with the core behaviours already embedded in the culture of our business, we now view our social and environmental responsibilities through the following sustainability lenses. 

CARE for the planet 

TRUST in the science 

ENTHUSIASM for better business 

CURIOSITY to learn more  

We are currently doing our best to trust in the science and take urgent action to combat climate change and it's impacts by:

• In line with the UK Government Net Zero Strategy, true is committed to decarbonising all aspects of business operations and achieving Net Zero by 2050 (including Scopes 1, 2 + 3*).
• This follows the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approach and is aligned with the 1.5°c pathway**.
• 'We are currently working on a plan by 2050 to be close to zero emissions, with only unavoidable residual emissions being offset.

For more information on what we are doing to create sustainable spaces for aspiring generations, please read our impact report here.

* GHG (greenhouse gas) Protocol Corporate Standard classifies a company’s GHG emissions into three ‘scopes’. Scope 1 = direct emissions from owned or controlled sources; Scope 2 = indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy; Scope 3 = all other indirect emissions that occur in the value/supply chain, including both upstream and downstream emissions. 

** The limit of global warming that scientists agree is needed to avoid high risk of catastrophic consequences to people and our living environment.  

We have valid Commercial EPCs at all locations, and we have achieved or are progressing toward BREEAM certification across all sites, targeting an Excellent rating. 

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s longest-established, science-based sustainability certification for the built environment. It assesses the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of buildings and infrastructure across their entire lifecycle—from design and construction through to operation and refurbishment.

By ensuring all of our sites are BREEAM registered, true student demonstrates a consistent commitment to delivering high-quality, environmentally responsible student accommodation that meets recognised international sustainability standards.