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 2023
- We are ranked 13th in the world out of 1,591 institutions in the THE Impact Rankings.
These rankings aim to highlight work by universities in their communities. They assess institutional activities and efforts not covered in other rankings. And demonstrate the difference a university is making in the world by working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
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 top ten SDGs:
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11) (2nd place)
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG16) (6th place)
- Partnership for the Goals (SDG17) (9th 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
"While we can rightly feel proud of our performance in this year’s THE Impact Rankings, we realise that if we wish to continue to be global leaders and meet our own ambitious strategic commitments, we cannot stand still. Our commitment to addressing socioeconomic and health inequalities in the city and beyond, and our commitment to implementing our Glasgow Green Strategy and the University’s Carbon Management Plan, will see us maintain our performance and reputation." Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow