University ranks in top two per cent of global universities for sustainability

Published: 5 December 2023

Glasgow places 20th out of 1,400 institutions in QS World Rankings: Sustainability

The University of Glasgow has placed 20th out of 1,403 institutions in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024.

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability is a major global indicator of how universities are taking action to tackle the world’s greatest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.

These results put the University of Glasgow in the top two percent of all universities covered by the rankings for its social and environmental sustainability performance. They also mean the University of Glasgow is also ranked tenth in Europe and sixth in the UK.

The rankings are based on two main pillars of and Social Impact, where the University of Glasgow placed eighth globally, and Environmental Impact, where it placed 31st.   

In the 2023 results, the University of Glasgow placed 13th globally, which at the time featured 700 institutions.

David Duncan, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, said: “I am pleased that the University of Glasgow has ranked 20th in the world, out of more than 1,400 institutions, in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability. This fantastic result is further evidence of our reputation as a global leader in this area and reflects our commitment to embed sustainability across our activities and operations.

“It reflects the strength and diversity of our research portfolio, including our Centre for Sustainable Solutions, which drives engagement with partners across academia, funding bodies, industry and policy, to promote interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral solutions to climate change.

“We do however realise there is more to do in this area, and we have a commitment to meet the objectives of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals by continuing investment across the organisation and working towards our ambitious target of being net zero carbon by 2030.”


First published: 5 December 2023