Abstract

This study investigates energy consumption in 105 UK universities from the 2008/09 to 2021/22 academic years, employing Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition. Results reveal a 3.5 % increase overall, predominantly driven by rising student enrolment. Conversely, enhanced infrastructure efficiency, favourable weather conditions, and reduced energy intensity moderated this upward trend. Research-intensive institutions, notably Russell Group universities, exhibited higher energy usage due to their greater energy intensity and more extensive infrastructure per student. Nevertheless, these institutions effectively mitigated growth by reducing their gross floor area per student. In contrast, teaching-oriented universities displayed lower energy consumption, benefiting from smaller infrastructures and successful energy intensity reductions, demonstrating how inherent institutional conditions shape energy usage. Despite these efficiencies, increased enrolment significantly raised energy demand across both university types during the study period. By analysing core drivers of energy consumption, the study emphasizes strategic planning and policy roles in mitigating environmental impacts without compromising academic quality. It provides a replicable analytical framework to assess university energy use and recommends actionable strategies, including developing energy-efficient laboratories, conducting comprehensive energy audits, retrofitting existing buildings, and upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These insights align with societal and policymaker expectations for responsible resource use. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd