2024 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability Released

QS have released the 2024 edition of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.

Evaluating universities based on social impact, environmental impact and governance, the rankings provide a unique and detailed framework to assess how universities are taking action to tackle the world’s most pressing global challenges. The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 feature 1397 institutions across 95 countries and territories, more than double the number featured in last year’s pilot edition.

The University of Toronto has been named by QS as the world’s most sustainable university. It is closely followed by the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) in the second position, with The University of Manchester securing the third spot in the rankings. The United States leads in representation in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability with 209 universities ranked, including one within the top 10 globally. Following closely, the United Kingdom ranks as the second most featured country, boasting 93 universities, of which two are in the top 10. China (Mainland) holds the third position with 90 universities in the rankings, although it does not have any institutions in the top 100.

Australia, ranking as the tenth most represented country, has 37 universities listed in the rankings, including two among the world’s top 10: The University of Sydney (7^th globally) and The University of Melbourne (9^th globally).

Australian performance compared to the UK, US, and Canada

Australian universities have demonstrated remarkable performance in the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, setting a global benchmark in various sustainability indicators. The comprehensive heat map analysis of the ‘Big Four’ study destinations – Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States – reveals that Australian universities are leading the way in several key areas.

Key Highlights

Superior Social Impact: Australian universities not only excel in governance but also in championing equality, significantly surpassing their peers in the US and UK. This outstanding achievement is underlined by the presence of ten Australian universities in the top 30 for the Governance macro-category, demonstrating their superior administrative structures and ethical practices. Additionally, in the sphere of Equality, Australia’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is emphasized by the inclusion of ten Australian institutions among the top 50. This remarkable performance showcases Australia’s balanced and comprehensive approach to sustainability, effectively integrating environmental concerns with social responsibility and administrative excellence.

Environmental Leadership: In environmental sustainability, Australia’s institutions shine brighter than two other ‘Big Four’ countries. Their progressive approach in environmental education and research has placed them at the forefront, surpassing the efforts seen in the UK and US, and closely rivalling Canada.

Governance and Equality: Australian universities not only excel in governance but also in championing equality, outstripping the US and UK in these areas. This indicates a more balanced and inclusive approach to sustainability, blending environmental concerns with social and administrative excellence. Ten of the top 30 universities in the Governance macro-category are Australian, and ten out of the top 50 in Equality are Australian. The University of Sydney is the world leader in this indicator, followed by The Australian National University and Monash University.

Knowledge Exchange & Educational Impact: When it comes to the impact of education and knowledge exchange, Australia stands tall among its peers. The country’s educational institutions foster an environment of innovation and learning that is at par, if not superior, to that of Canada, and ahead of the UK and US. Notably, The University of Sydney emerges as the global frontrunner in the Impact of Education indicator, proudly leading the charge. This is closely followed by The Australian National University and Monash University, both of which are exemplary in their performance, further cementing Australia’s dominant position in this critical aspect of sustainability. The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is the best national performer in the Knowledge Exchange indicator, placing 8th globally.

Health and Wellbeing: Australian universities have also set a high standard in health and wellbeing, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainability that prioritizes the welfare of their communities. This aspect of their performance is particularly commendable when juxtaposed against the relatively lower ranks of universities in the US and UK. Ten Australian universities make the top 50 in this indicator.

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, remarked: “This outstanding performance in sustainability is a testament to Australia’s holistic approach to education and its commitment to building a better future. Australian universities are not just participating in the global sustainability dialogue; they are among the leaders. This leadership is crucial as we collectively navigate the challenges of climate change, social inequality, and the need for responsible governance.”

Focus: Australia

The Australian government is proactively engaging in sustainability initiatives. One such notable program is “Climate Resilient by Nature,” which focuses on collaborating with local communities to preserve and restore ecosystems, particularly in the Pacific region, as a response to climate change. This program demonstrates Australia’s commitment to integrating environmental conservation with community involvement. Additionally, the government is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

It places special emphasis on several key goals: Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; Goal 13: Climate Action; Goal 14: Life Below Water; Goal 15: Life On Land. These goals highlight Australia’s holistic approach to sustainability, covering a wide range of issues from clean energy to biodiversity conservation.

Furthermore, the Climate Change Act 2022 is a significant legislative step. It sets a target to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 43% from the 2005 levels by 2030. This Act also mandates the provision of annual climate change statements and confers advisory functions on the Climate Change Authority, ensuring continuous monitoring and guidance in climate policy.

Lastly, the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Amendment (Using New Technologies to Fight Climate Change) Act represents an innovative approach to combat climate change. This Amendment to the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 allows for permits to export carbon dioxide streams from capture processes for sequestration into sub-seabed geological formations. It also enables permits for marine geoengineering activities for scientific research purposes. This Amendment indicates Australia’s openness to leveraging new technologies and scientific research in its fight against climate change, while ensuring environmental protection and compliance with international standards.

Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, says “For this generation of brand-conscious students, their chosen university represents a lifelong affiliation, deeply intertwined with personal identity, and social awareness”.

“Our 2023 Sustainability Survey revealed a striking trend: 79% of prospective international students view an institution’s sustainability practices as extremely or very important. Additionally, 82% actively seek information on these practices while researching universities. This demonstrates a clear shift in priorities among today’s students who are increasingly weighing the social and environmental impact of their future alma mater alongside academic excellence.” she says.

Australian Universities in QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024