Sustainability rankings
We are ranked in the top 20 universities in the world for sustainability.
QS Sustainability Rankings 2023
- We are ranked 13th in the world out of 700 universities in the QS World Sustainability Rankings.
THE Impact Rankings 2022
- We are ranked 19th in the world out of 1,406 institutions in the THE Impact Rankings.
These rankings aim to demonstrate the difference a university is making in the world by working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Our ranking places us first in Scotland and third in the UK.
The rankings aim to highlight work by universities in their communities. They assess institutional activities and efforts not covered in other rankings.
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These were adopted by the UN in 2015 to provide a framework to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
Our highest scoring SDGs from the assessment were:
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11) (2nd place)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12) (21st place)
- Life on Land (SDG15) (Equal 8th place)
We are committed to contributing towards the SDGs to help tackle the most pressing global challenges facing humanity and the natural world.
As a reflection of our commitment to the SDGs, we:
- were the first in the UK to declare we would divest from fossil fuels within a decade
- were the first in Scotland to declare a Climate Emergency
- committed to a significant plan of action to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
"The University of Glasgow is committed to contributing to the delivery of the SDGs and making a global difference, so it’s extremely encouraging for our community to be recognised by the THE Impact Rankings.
There is always more we can all do, but these results are testament to the effort of colleagues under difficult circumstances in recent years to deliver positive and lasting change."
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow
Methodology
To be included in the ranking, participants submitted evidence for a minimum of three SDGs, plus evidence for SDG17. Participants are ranked based on the score for their three highest-scoring SDGs, plus their score for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals).