Reading rises in QS sustainability rankings

The University of Reading has risen to 61 in the world in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024, published today [5 December].

The second edition of this sustainability-focused league table features a total of 1,403 institutions globally. Last year, the University was ranked 171-180 in the world.

Reading is now ranked at 30 in Europe, out of 493 higher education institutions, and 21 in the UK, out of 93 institutions included in the table.

The University has received higher scores across all the categories that were featured in last year’s ranking.

Reading is now ranked at joint 43 in the Environmental Impact rank, up from joint 177 in the 2023 table. It is ranked at joint 95 in the Social Impact rank, up from 162 in the 2023 table.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “We are maintaining our momentum to be considered one of the greenest universities in the world. It is useful to match our progress alongside partner universities globally.

“There is always more we can do, and we will continue to work with our colleagues, students and local community, as well as with other universities, to make positive changes in the face of the climate and biodiversity crises.

“Reducing our environmental impact takes effort but brings serious long-term benefits, and we want to help other people, businesses and universities to do the same.”

Among other successes, the University of Reading has cut its carbon emissions by 61%, compared to 2009, and is on track to meet its target to become a Net Zero Carbon University by 2030.

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 are published in full online.