Case study Our approach to thought leadership Now in its fourth year, the Unite Students Applicant Index, produced in partnership with HEPI, provides our business, universities and the wider Higher Education sector with valuable insight into the attitudes and confidence levels in students before they arrive at university. This helps us work in partnership to evolve the support and services available to students, particularly during the transition to student living and independence. According to the Index, this year’s intake is the most independent cohort since it was launched, with 74% saying that they feel confident about living independently at university (up from 67% in 2024). This is backed up with responses which show increasing confidence with budgeting, resolving issues with living and studying, and a willingness to take an active part in the student community. https://www.unitegroup.com/ applicant-index-report This year, we also commissioned independent research looking at transition to university from the perspective of parents. The Empty Nester Survey 2025, commissioned by Unite Students and undertaken by Censuswide in September, showed that two thirds (67%) of parents use an app to digitally track their child’s location once they leave for university – demonstrating how parenting in this hyper-connected age now continues beyond school life. We published a Guide to Empty Nesting, in partnership with Dr Dominique Thompson, former GP, a young people’s mental health expert and member of the Government's Higher Education Mental Health Taskforce. Her expert tips offer practical advice for parents navigating and adjusting to this new chapter in their lives. www.unitegroup.com/articles/two- thirds-of-parents-admit-to-tracking-their- childs-location-while-at-university Opportunity Category Impact Potential financial impact Correlative action Reduced heating demand Physical Rising winter temperatures driven by climate change are expected to reduce energy use for space heating across all future climate scenarios. Warmer winters will lessen the need to maintain comfortable indoor conditions, with the greatest reductions likely in regions that currently experience colder climates, such as northern parts of the UK. The savings from the reduced heat demand due to warmer winters have been estimated at between c.£0.8 million and £1.7 million per year across the portfolio (based on current use and prices). While we more proactively prepare for energy cost savings to be realised because of low-carbon technology improvements, we also understand which of our properties have the potential for lower heating costs in the event of milder winters, and this will be factored into future projections for energy performance. Reputation Transitional Our leadership in sustainability may be acknowledged by our customers and partners, leading to additional business opportunities or income benefits. Recognition of sustainability leadership can create tangible financial benefits through enhanced brand reputation, stronger university partnerships, and increased student demand. This may lead to additional nomination agreements, higher occupancy rates, and improved pricing power. It can also reduce financing costs by improving access to green loans and sustainability-linked funding. While not easily quantifiable, these benefits can translate into incremental revenue and margin improvements over time. To capture these opportunities, we actively engage with stakeholders, including university partners, investors and students, through transparent reporting and collaborative forums. Our Positive Impact programme encourages our people and teams to work with local stakeholders on community impact initiatives. Through engagement with local communities, the programme has helped our people better understand sustainability and social responsibility. THE UNITE GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2025 69