Cutting energy, water, resource use and waste Efficient heating Throughout 2025 our Operations, Central Estates and Sustainability teams have been focusing on improving day to day energy and water efficiency in our buildings. Leveraging the investment already made in Prefect IRUS smart networked heating controls, we’ve updated guidance, policy and student communications to encourage residents to use the in-built heating rather than leaving their own plug-in electric heaters running - each of which can use an extra £1,000 of energy and emit c.800kg of additional CO 2 e per year. Waste and recycling We’ve replaced multiple regional waste contractors with a single new national partner, bringing improved data and service, and a single simplified approach to recycling for all sites’ commercial waste and c.70% of sites’ student waste collections. As part of these improved arrangements, new recycling bins have been installed in every flat, with better signage and infrastructure such as central bin stores. These changes ensure compliance with UK Simpler Recycling Regulations, enhance the resident experience and are driving greater engagement. These improvements have simplified communication on recycling, particularly for overseas students unfamiliar with UK practices. This has helped deliver a 3.8 point increase in the Recycling and Environmental Facilities section of the Global Student Living Index, bringing us closer to our Platinum ambition. Like - for - like water consumption increased by 3.3% in 2025, despite our continued focus on reducing water waste, including by raising awareness with students of the importance of conserving water and reporting faults. A single faulty toilet cistern running continuously after flushing can waste up to 130,000 litres of water a year, and throughout 2025 we invested c.£1 million in repairing leaking toilets, taps and showers. While our teams identify and address issues during routine maintenance and inspections, early reporting from residents remains essential. We will continue to prioritise this through 2026, encouraging residents to report leaks promptly so we can take action sooner and make further progress in reducing water waste. THE UNITE GROUP PLC | Sustainability Report 2025 19 The environment Case study: Reuse stations This summer we launched a new Reuse Station initiative. Throughout check-out and Summer Support, our operations teams collected items residents left behind that could be put to good use by our new in-coming residents. During our six-week welcome period for new students in Autumn 2025, our Resident Ambassadors and Student Experience teams hosted over 40 in- property Reuse Station events, providing new residents with an opportunity to give preloved cookware, homeware, furniture and other essentials a second lease of life. Now a national initiative, properties such as this one in Durham have run reuse events for a number of years. We’ve replaced multiple regional waste contractors with a single new national partner, bringing improved data and service, and a single simplified approach to recycling for all sites’ commercial waste and c.70% of sites’ student waste collections. INTRODUCTION YOUNG PEOPLE COMMUNITIES OUR COLLEAGUES THE ENVIRONMENT APPENDICES LOOKING FORWARD