Reading retains top five sustainable universities ranking

The latest People & Planet University League table shows the University of Reading is ranked as the fourth most sustainable university in the UK. 

Reading has retained its position in the top five of the 2024/2025 league table, a key objective for the University. The table measures UK universities by their environmental and ethical performances. 

Strong policy and strategy, effective environmental auditing and a sustainable food programme were among the criteria in which Reading scored top marks. 

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for our staff, students and our local community. 

“Reading was ranked first in the People & Planet League table last year, but this did not mean our mission was complete. We have continued to work hard to further reduce our environmental footprint, support our community to work towards sustainability and ensure in every way possible we are helping to understand and address climate change. 

“As much as it would be an honour to find ourselves at the top of the table again next year, we can live with finishing a bit lower if this means other universities are also becoming more sustainable and we are all making our world a better place to live. Sustainability is not a zero-sum game, and I hope all UK universities, businesses and individuals will quickly accelerate their own sustainability efforts as we continue to improve our own.”

The University ranked fourth in the People & Planet University League table with a score of 74%. Reading was named the Sunday Times Sustainable University of the Year 2024 in September. 

View the full People & Planet University League table.

The University of Reading has published its latest Environmental Sustainability Report, which summarises the progress made from August 2023 to July 2024 across a range of measures of sustainability.

The report shows: