Most Sustainable Universities In The UK 2024: Who Cares More?

University Sustainability Rankings play a pivotal role in assessing and recognising sustainable universities worldwide for their efforts in addressing environmental, social, and governance issues. In the quest for higher education that aligns with a commitment to environmental responsibility, the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability emerges as a distinctive lens. It offers students a unique perspective on institutions actively dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future.

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability - Finding the most Sustainable Universities

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability offers students a distinctive perspective to identify institutions that are actively dedicated to fostering a more sustainable future. Beyond mere declarations, it seeks tangible proof of this commitment. This ranges from the contributions of alumni in addressing climate challenges through science and technology to the influence of research aligning with the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals.

The rankings assess the societal and environmental impact of universities as hubs for education and research. This considers them not only as centres of learning but also as significant employers grappling with the operational sustainability challenges inherent in large and intricate organisations.

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability Methodology

The methodology for the second edition of the QS Sustainability Rankings consists of three main categories: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance. Each category is evaluated through various performance lenses, which are further composed of specific individual metrics. The weights for each category are as follows: Social Impact (45%), Environmental Impact (45%), and Governance (10%).

To be eligible for inclusion in the rankings, institutions must meet the criteria for eligibility in the broader QS World University Rankings, QS Rankings by Region, or QS Rankings by Subject. Business schools are currently not eligible for participation in this specific ranking.

In addition to eligibility, institutions must demonstrate evidence of a research culture that is consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes achieving a non-zero score in ‘Research Impact on SDGs for Environmental Research’ (Environmental Impact category) and meeting specific SDG research metrics in the Social Impact category.

The evaluation process involves considering a broad set of institutions, with more than 3,600 institutions scored according to Scopus and reputation data. However, the decision on which institutions are included in the public results depends on factors such as data breadth and depth and the maturity of the rankings.

Why are University Sustainability Rankings Important?

University Sustainability Rankings are important for several reasons:

Benchmarking and Comparison: Rankings provide a way to benchmark the sustainability performance of universities and compare them to peers. This allows sustainable universities to assess their efforts in relation to global standards and identify areas for improvement.
Promotion of Sustainability Initiatives: Rankings recognise and promote sustainable universities that are actively engaged in sustainable practices. This positive publicity can enhance the institution’s reputation and attract environmentally conscious students, faculty, and partners.
Accountability and Transparency: Rankings often consider various sustainability metrics. This encourages sustainable universities to be transparent about their ESG practices. The accountability then fosters a culture of responsible management and operations.
Incentive for Improvement: Universities strive to achieve higher rankings. This serves as an incentive for continuous improvement among sustainable universities’ sustainability initiatives. The competition can also drive innovation and the adoption of more environmentally friendly practices.
Global Impact: Sustainability rankings contribute to the global dialogue on environmental and social responsibility in higher education. They highlight the collective efforts of sustainable universities worldwide and encourage collaboration on shared challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

2024 QS Sustainability Rankings

	Name	Categories						Performance Lenses
		Social Impact		Environmental Impact		Governance		Equality		Knowledge Exchange		Impact of Education		Employability and Opportunities		Health and Wellbeing		Environmental Sustainability		Environmental Education		Environmental Research		Overall
Rank		Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score	Rank	Score
3	The University of Manchester	97	12	95.5	7	99.8	5	96.6	38	99.9	2	79.3	219	99.1	16	99.8	2	89.5	17	94.6	13	98.2	15	98
6	Imperial College London	96.3	14	98.2	3	83.4	232	94.2	68	100	1	79.2	221	99.6	8	100	1	95.1	6	96.6	9	98.2	15	97
15	The University of Edinburgh	97.5	9	86.2	24	99.7	7	96.6	38	99.9	2	82.2	152	99.5	9	99.8	2	58.9	121	98	7	97.9	28	93.9
17	University of Bristol	97.5	9	85.5	25	98.5	17	99.7	3	99.3	14	79	228	99.1	16	99.6	10	73	47	83.8	34	97.7	38	93.4
19	Durham University	94.4	37	86.7	22	99.8	5	96.2	46	98.3	25	76.4	287	95.1	79	97.8	41	83.9	27	78	69	96.1	76	92.6
20	University of Glasgow	97.7	8	83.3	31	94.9	52	99.3	7	99.1	19	83.4	134	98.2	36	99.4	14	71.6	50	80.8	56	96.1	76	92.1
24	The University of Sheffield	95.4	20	81	38	98.5	17	96.6	38	98.2	28	75.3	311	97	51	99.6	10	69.1	58	75.3	99	97.8	34	90.4
26	University of Sussex	89.6	74	87.1	19	96.9	36	98.7	16	97.4	36	76.3	291	74.7	360	98.6	28	86	23	77.3	72	97.2	52	90.3
29	University of York	94	42	81.2	36	100	1	96.6	38	99.4	11	81.5	168	88	151	98.8	25	59.3	119	85.1	31	97.1	54	89.9
30	Newcastle University	94.7	32	80.3	41	95.7	47	93.8	75	98.3	25	73.8	357	98.4	33	99.8	2	66.3	68	75.9	86	98.2	15	89.3
30	The University of Exeter	95.1	26	81	38	90.1	102	97.1	29	99.3	14	75.1	316	94.3	84	99.8	2	64.7	76	78.7	65	98.2	15	89.3
33	University of Nottingham	96.1	16	77.8	60	99.6	10	97.6	25	98.3	25	78.6	237	97	51	99.4	14	66.2	69	70.8	171	97.3	50	89.2
34	University of Southampton	95.4	20	83	32	77.1	365	93.7	76	98.8	22	80.9	182	96	63	99.8	2	72.9	48	77.6	71	97.9	28	89
35	University of Birmingham	95.4	20	78.3	56	96.8	38	93.7	76	99.4	11	77.1	272	98.7	28	99.8	2	60.4	108	75.7	92	97.6	39	88.8
37	University of Aberdeen	92.8	51	79.9	47	95.3	49	96.9	32	97.6	34	72.5	402	89.7	134	98	36	52.8	203	87.9	24	96.8	61	88.3
44	King's College London	94.9	29	78.8	53	86.5	184	93.5	78	97.7	33	76.6	284	98.5	31	99.8	2	62.8	83	76.6	76	96.5	64	87.9
44	Lancaster University	94.2	39	76.7	74	100	1	99.3	7	96.5	41	75.1	316	90.6	120	99.4	14	58	137	74	123	98	25	87.9
46	Cardiff University	93.8	43	79.4	51	87.7	157	96.3	45	92.7	75	76.1	297	95.6	72	99.2	18	58	137	81.3	51	97.5	42	87.7
50	University of Liverpool	94.4	37	74.9	90	99.5	11	99.5	5	99.3	14	69.9	479	93.6	90	99.2	18	62.6	87	65.7	272	96.9	59	87.2
54	Queen Mary University of London	93.3	47	78.1	59	89.8	108	99.4	6	96	47	72.4	407	89.9	130	99	21	62.2	89	77.2	73	94.1	108	87.1
61	University of Reading	88.2	95	80.1	43	87.8	153	92.4	94	83.7	212	73.4	371	88.9	140	98.8	25	64.2	77	78.1	68	97.1	54	85.4
64	Loughborough University	91.9	58	74.9	90	91.6	76	93.5	78	94.2	65	74.7	325	92.6	100	97.6	46	62.4	88	67.1	247	95.1	94	85.2
80	Swansea University	90.5	65	71.3	138	98	26	93.2	87	89.3	110	77.4	263	90.1	127	97.4	53	53	201	71.9	159	87.4	198	83.5
81	University of East Anglia (UEA)	86.1	128	75.8	84	94.6	54	95.7	51	87.4	146	70	477	75.6	340	99.4	14	49.7	254	78.4	66	98.1	23	83.2
85	The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	90.7	64	72.2	130	88.9	129	94.4	65	82.9	229	87.7	68	88.7	144	97.8	41	97.6	2	30.7	1001+	94.1	108	83.1
86	University of St Andrews	89.1	78	72.4	125	93.7	56	92.4	94	92.4	78	68.9	507	88.9	140	96.6	71	47.7	306	73.6	133	95.2	92	83
92	University of Bath	94.9	29	64.3	243	99.7	7	96.8	35	95.5	54	79.2	221	96.5	54	98.2	30	59.7	115	41.7	795	95.2	92	82.5
98	The University of Warwick	95.4	20	62.7	260	99.9	4	96.7	36	95.4	56	78.1	247	98.8	26	98.6	28	54.2	186	43.9	729	94.1	108	82
103	Queen's University Belfast	93.5	45	63.4	252	99.7	7	98.8	14	94.6	62	77.3	266	90.3	123	98.8	25	58.3	129	40.7	823	96.5	64	81.5
107	University of Strathclyde	84.7	150	74.5	97	88.9	129	87.6	147	79.1	303	72.9	385	86.6	168	95.4	87	69.3	57	62.7	319	91.9	144	81.3
126	University of Oxford	88.7	84	77.2	66	39.4	933	76.7	310	90	98	89.7	47	99.7	5	80.1	310	62.9	82	82.6	38	82.9	276	79.3
127	University of Cambridge	88.7	84	77.2	66	37.9	967	79.3	267	86.7	161	89.7	47	99.8	2	79.9	317	62.7	86	82.6	38	82.9	276	79.2
139	Bangor University	77.3	292	74.9	90	90.1	102	84.5	193	79.2	299	65.8	595	64.5	545	98.2	30	41.6	439	84.6	33	97	58	78.3
156	Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)	85.7	133	63.4	252	90.3	98	97.6	25	91.7	86	73.4	371	67.5	475	95.4	87	56	160	44.5	716	93.1	119	76.8
177	University of Stirling	81.7	206	65.2	222	85.6	199	94.1	71	80.1	280	72.6	397	65.4	521	98	36	47.6	308	67.7	230	79	391	75.4
183	Northumbria University at Newcastle	81	219	64.5	234	88.5	138	87.6	147	76.7	364	69.2	502	77.1	311	94.6	110	43.1	393	61.2	347	90	164	75.1
185	University of Leicester	81	219	69.7	161	63.8	644	87.3	152	70.8	493	75.4	308	79.5	281	92.2	157	38.9	509	76.3	81	93.3	118	75
189	UCL	86.8	112	69	169	40.3	923	77.2	299	90.4	96	80.2	194	98.6	30	80.1	310	54.4	183	68	221	82.8	282	74.9
201	Cranfield University	72.2	381	72.7	122	82	267	73.6	358	61	835	52.7	940	81.6	250	95.6	78	51.2	225	70.3	185	96.1	76	74.1
205	University of Huddersfield	80.8	223	62.5	267	88	149	90.9	112	75.7	384	69.6	484	74.9	358	89.7	196	56.4	154	50.9	561	80.5	360	74
211	University of Leeds	87.3	106	66.5	204	39.4	933	82.2	223	88.5	129	79	228	96.4	57	79.9	317	50.9	228	65.1	281	82.7	285	73.8
214	Brunel University London	83.3	174	59.3	307	86.9	173	95	63	85.6	186	68.2	530	68.9	453	95.6	78	51.8	215	37.6	905	92.9	122	73.6
229	University of Hull	74.3	345	66.8	203	83.5	229	82.6	216	70.3	505	70.6	461	61.1	618	95.6	78	55.1	172	53.3	498	93.5	114	72.5
244	Coventry University	80.3	233	56.8	361	90.1	102	92.9	89	74.1	423	72.8	389	69.6	438	92	163	48.5	283	49.4	599	72.7	572	71.3
246	Nottingham Trent University	78.5	275	59.3	307	86.1	193	95.5	53	60.9	837	73.2	379	69.7	434	94.4	114	62.8	83	33.3	1001+	85.9	224	71.2
255	Ulster University	77.3	292	61.6	290	74.5	428	93.4	81	65.2	663	70.6	461	66.4	502	94.8	104	41.7	433	57.3	415	86.6	210	70.6
286	University of Dundee	78.7	271	54.1	419	83.2	237	84.5	193	68.3	568	73.8	357	74.2	367	97.4	53	39.9	488	38	890	88.4	184	68.5
331	Aston University	76.9	304	54.6	407	62.2	668	89.8	131	58.5	928	59.9	743	81.3	254	91.5	172	48.8	275	34	999	85.1	229	65.9
339	Aberystwyth University	64.1	572	62.7	260	78.2	340	81.8	227	54.6	1001+	50.2	1001+	52.9	832	86.3	243	43.6	382	66.7	260	76.7	464	65.3
359	De Montfort University	75	334	46.7	612	89.8	108	90.3	119	70.3	505	68.6	517	60	643	87.3	230	40.3	473	29.1	1001+	75.5	503	64.2
363	University of Bradford	70.4	418	52.8	448	81.4	279	79.4	265	59.4	896	69.9	479	66	508	80.9	297	38.4	530	56.9	424	60.8	931	64
364	University of Kent	74.6	341	57.5	345	40	927	86.3	165	65.3	659	77.4	263	65.2	527	77.1	377	43.5	384	54.5	469	74.3	525	63.9
379	SOAS University of London	69.5	439	55.5	387	68.1	567	90.8	113	62.7	776	57	828	51.1	879	88.1	214	58.2	131	32.2	1001+	79.9	377	63.5
458	University of Surrey	79.2	255	44.8	656	38.4	959	76.5	315	78.7	312	70.9	451	85.4	185	77.9	361	22	969	36.1	942	81.1	348	59.9
488	Heriot-Watt University	75.3	330	48.9	544	27.3	1001+	68.9	482	76.5	366	67.4	551	83.2	223	76.9	381	16.3	1001+	54.9	463	77	450	58.9
508	Glasgow Caledonian University	67.2	499	42.8	719	82.3	256	87.6	147	60.7	845	58.5	786	48.2	968	84.3	260	48.2	292	28.3	1001+	54.1	1001+	58
510	City, University of London	72.9	371	44.6	661	46.8	870	78.3	289	66.3	623	69.3	495	76.3	328	68.4	666	31	727	49.6	596	51.2	1001+	57.9
525	University of Plymouth	70.6	412	50.5	496	23.9	1001+	71.9	415	65	675	68.6	517	73.7	373	73.2	531	15.7	1001+	55.8	450	81	349	57.2
532	University of Portsmouth	69.5	439	46.2	627	46.2	876	79.7	262	58.2	939	71.5	433	64.8	540	74	498	26.9	841	40.7	823	73.6	548	57
545	Royal Holloway University of London	69	447	49.4	529	29.2	1001+	66.9	524	68.4	565	70.9	451	68.1	465	73.2	531	21	995	54.1	479	73	563	56.4
594	London South Bank University	60	674	42.8	719	77.5	359	82.5	221	45	1001+	55.4	866	47.1	1001+	72.6	556	46.1	332	24.4	1001+	61.9	897	54.3
615	University of the West of England	69.7	432	42.4	733	30.3	1001+	73.1	372	66.7	615	68.7	515	67	493	72.2	565	20.7	1001+	35.8	952	74	536	53.7
617	Liverpool John Moores University	71.5	393	39.7	825	30.1	1001+	73	373	65.9	635	69.6	484	73.1	382	75	455	14.3	1001+	33.9	1001+	74.3	525	53.3
620	Essex, University of	72.5	378	36.3	917	40	927	76.6	314	72.3	459	76	298	63.8	568	75.5	420	27.3	835	13.7	1001+	74.8	518	53.1
620	Oxford Brookes University	69.7	432	41.9	750	25.9	1001+	72.2	396	62.4	786	74.2	340	72.3	390	63.4	825	40.6	464	23	1001+	66.1	784	53.1
667	The Open University	66.5	516	41.7	754	27.3	1001+	65	576	64.3	705	71.8	426	65.6	515	69.6	637	6.3	1001+	46.7	663	74.3	525	51.5
684	University of Lincoln	63.5	586	43.7	697	26.4	1001+	71.4	425	51.6	1001+	69.6	484	57.8	694	70	629	22	969	40.7	823	70.5	642	51
721-730	London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine	71.8	389	30.8	1001+	30.7	1001+	65.9	546	76.8	362	72.1	417	68.9	453	79.5	327	6.3	1001+	15.5	1001+	78.7	398
741-750	Birkbeck, University of London	60.9	651	42.1	743	27.1	1001+	66.6	530	48.4	1001+	73.4	371	58.6	672	63.6	818	17.7	1001+	46.9	657	61.3	913
761-770	Kingston University, London	62.3	623	39	844	26.5	1001+	66.5	535	45.9	1001+	74.7	325	64.2	559	63.8	804	16.8	1001+	38.5	878	63.9	839
771-780	University of Gloucestershire	50.7	929	39.4	832	77.4	360	76.2	319	36.2	1001+	49.5	1001+	35.9	1001+	60.8	897	49.9	251	18.5	1001+	52.8	1001+
781-790	University of Brighton	66.5	516	34.2	1001+	25.9	1001+	62.4	647	62.6	782	71.5	433	67.3	481	73.8	509	6.3	1001+	33.5	1001+	66.4	771
801-820	Robert Gordon University	59.8	683	32.4	1001+	55.3	770	68.1	501	43.3	1001+	59.5	751	57.9	689	78.3	356	40.2	477	7.4	1001+	54.8	1001+
801-820	University of Salford	60.2	668	39.2	839	24	1001+	63.1	627	54.3	1001+	66.6	578	53.2	823	72	575	14.1	1001+	37.1	914	69.6	668
821-840	Bournemouth University	63	595	33.8	1001+	28.3	1001+	67.4	513	53.6	1001+	68.6	517	59.9	645	70.8	608	6.3	1001+	25	1001+	75.2	511
821-840	University of Greenwich	66.5	516	30.8	1001+	27.3	1001+	66.9	524	69.2	542	62.5	666	62.4	589	74.8	468	6.3	1001+	21.3	1001+	70.6	638
861-880	Middlesex University	60.2	668	33.5	1001+	27.7	1001+	63.8	609	47.7	1001+	70.2	473	58.1	684	68	682	26.3	851	13.8	1001+	66.8	762
921-940	Goldsmiths, University of London	57.4	751	25.4	1001+	55.1	775	86.1	168	27.2	1001+	72.1	417	46.5	1001+	58.8	964	39.8	493	13	1001+	23.7	1001+
941-960	Keele University	57.4	751	31.7	1001+	24.6	1001+	55.3	900	55.9	1001+	67.7	544	55.9	754	60.2	917	6.3	1001+	31.7	1001+	59.8	956
961-980	Anglia Ruskin University	60	674	27.4	1001+	27.3	1001+	64.1	596	50.4	1001+	65.3	608	55.2	773	73.2	531	14.1	1001+	12	1001+	62.6	878
1001-1050	Edinburgh Napier University	57.4	751	27.2	1001+	21.6	1001+	65.5	558	46.5	1001+	60.5	725	53.3	821	65.4	744	11.2	1001+	7.8	1001+	70	656
1001-1050	Sheffield Hallam University	62.3	623	21.8	1001+	23.2	1001+	70.5	447	44.1	1001+	69.3	495	64.5	545	64	796	10.4	1001+	7.2	1001+	52.8	1001+
1001-1050	University of Derby	56.3	787	30.6	1001+	18	1001+	65.1	573	42.2	1001+	64.8	618	60.9	624	45.3	1001+	11.7	1001+	16.5	1001+	68.9	694
1051-1100	University of Hertfordshire	57	771	25.9	1001+	24.2	1001+	65.1	573	48.1	1001+	58.6	784	57.9	689	54.3	1001+	10.4	1001+	19.9	1001+	50.2	1001+
1101-1150	University of Westminster	56.5	781	22.7	1001+	23.6	1001+	62.5	643	49.4	1001+	64.7	622	54.7	785	53.1	1001+	6.3	1001+	17.3	1001+	48.6	1001+
1201+	Birmingham City University	54.4	836	19.5	1001+	17.4	1001+	66.6	530	45.6	1001+	65.1	613	49.6	923	40.8	1001+	11.6	1001+	7.1	1001+	44.8	1001+
1201+	Leeds Beckett University	57.4	751	18.2	1001+	22.5	1001+	72.4	394	45	1001+	66.4	583	53.5	812	45.3	1001+	14.1	1001+	1	1001+	44.7	1001+
1201+	Roehampton University, London	50.5	935	16.8	1001+	20.3	1001+	63.8	609	41.7	1001+	60.3	731	42.7	1001+	44.7	1001+	6.3	1001+	1	1001+	49.5	1001+
1201+	St. George's, University of London	53	866	18.2	1001+	24.4	1001+	56.5	860	38.1	1001+	60.1	738	51.4	871	72.2	565	1.9	1001+	4	1001+	54.8	1001+
1201+	Teesside University	51.9	899	15	1001+	20.8	1001+	69.9	463	40.9	1001+	41.4	1001+	48.7	956	55.3	1001+	6.3	1001+	1	1001+	43	1001+
1201+	University of Central Lancashire	56.5	781	17	1001+	30.1	1001+	65.2	563	41.4	1001+	67.1	557	56.8	732	56.9	1001+	6.3	1001+	10.6	1001+	37.7	1001+
1201+	University of the West of Scotland (UWS)	44.9	1001+	25.4	1001+	20.8	1001+	60.3	717	8.1	1001+	56.9	833	51.7	864	58.5	976	14.1	1001+	1	1001+	68.9	694
1201+	University of Wolverhampton	54.7	823	18.2	1001+	18.8	1001+	63.5	619	49.7	1001+	59.8	747	48.2	968	54.9	1001+	6.3	1001+	4.3	1001+	50.1	1001+

Most Sustainable Universities in the UK

The University of Manchester Sustainability Initiatives

Being in the top 3 among all the sustainable universities in the world, The University of Manchester has implemented several sustainability initiatives to address the pressing issues of carbon footprint and waste management. Notably, the operational carbon footprint has been reduced by 35% since 2007. This amounts to a decrease from approximately 81,000 tonnes CO2e to under 53,000 tonnes in 2022. The university also diverts 94% of its waste from landfills and has committed to using 100% renewable electricity.

The university recognises the urgency of climate change and the need to limit global temperature rises. As such, they follow a carbon budget set by climate scientists at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. This carbon budget aligns with the city’s decarbonisation pathway and 2038 target for zero carbon, emphasising the institution’s commitment to carbon reduction. While the 2038 target and carbon budget specifically address operational emissions, the university acknowledges the importance of addressing indirect emissions. This encompasses its entire value chain, despite being less within its direct control.

Imperial College London Sustainability Initiatives

Imperial College London is dedicated to minimising waste sent to landfills from all college sources through efficient resource utilisation and the reusing and recycling of unwanted materials. The institution aims to conduct thorough investigations into reducing, reusing, and recycling a diverse range of materials used in laboratories that currently end up in landfills or undergo incineration.

Imperial College also plans to enhance the utilisation of WARPit, a platform for reusing college equipment and furniture. Additionally, the college seeks to encourage student participation in recycling schemes. They specifically targeting unwanted bedding and other items, with the goal of donating these materials to charitable organisations. It is no surprise why they are among the most sustainable universities.

The University of Edinburgh Sustainability Initiatives

The University of Edinburgh actively engages in a variety of programmes and projects aimed at catalysing action and collaboration across its campus. These initiatives align with the university’s commitment to its Social Responsibility and Sustainability strategy. The focus includes sustainability innovation and leadership. It is important to encourage individuals to contribute to the university’s goals of achieving Zero by 2040 and Zero Waste. The university also promotes student leadership in sustainability. This offers opportunities for involvement in projects related to social responsibility and sustainability, along with funding and support options.

Additionally, there are dedicated programmes addressing supply chains and investments. They cover areas such as Good Food, modern slavery, fair trade, and responsible investment. The university is also dedicated to enhancing biodiversity on its campuses and beyond. They create opportunities for community engagement to improve lives in the Edinburgh City Region. Furthermore, the University of Edinburgh has a comprehensive Climate Strategy 2016. They are committed to achieving zero carbon status by 2040, outlining a holistic approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation across the institution.

The University of Sheffield Sustainability Initiatives

The University of Sheffield has achieved a 37% reduction in emissions since 2018. Notable accomplishments include the completion of £700k worth of energy projects. They range from LED lighting enhancements to steam system upgrades and a new pool cover. This is expected to save approximately 2,000MWh of energy annually – equivalent to 135 UK homes. The addition of 1,000 energy metres to central monitoring systems also enhances their energy consumption management.

The university has introduced a new Sustainable Buildings Standard, ensuring future campus developments adhere to stringent sustainability criteria. Furthermore, 400 trees were planted, bringing the total on-campus to around 10,400, and three new pocket parks were established to enhance biodiversity and well-being.

Newcastle University Sustainability Initiatives

Newcastle University is dedicated to fostering social justice, actively working towards creating a fairer and more equitable society. The university is also at the forefront of critical research addressing pressing environmental issues, contributing to environmental justice. The Sustainability Team leads efforts to embed sustainability across campus activities, emphasising a commitment to a sustainable campus. Collaborating with partners through the Global Challenges Academy, the university strives to make significant discoveries to address global challenges.

Newcastle University values equality, diversity, and inclusion, maintaining an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, Newcastle aims to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all. The university acknowledges the concept of One Planet, recognising finite resources and the need for sustainable practices. Additionally, Newcastle University actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to this global initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QS sustainability ranking?

Using a methodology comprised of indicators designed to measure an institution’s ability to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges, the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024 features nearly 1,400 universities from around the world.

How are sustainability rankings determined?

Sustainability rankings are typically determined through a comprehensive evaluation of universities based on criteria such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance.

How frequently are sustainability rankings updated?

Sustainability rankings are usually updated on an annual basis to ensure that the information reflects the most recent efforts and accomplishments of universities in the realm of sustainability.

How can universities improve their sustainability scores?

Universities can enhance their sustainability scores by implementing eco-friendly practices, fostering community partnerships, adopting green technologies, and demonstrating a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

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