USYD and UNSW rank joint-fifth in global university sustainability ranking

Higher education analysts Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) have ranked University of Sydney (USYD) and University of New South Wales (UNSW) joint-fifth globally in their inaugural QS World University Rankings: Sustainability framework.

The framework ranks universities on their environmental sustainability and social impact, with 12 Australian universities listed in the top 100 out of 1300 evaluated in total.

USYD holds Australia’s highest rank by placing third globally in the equality category and UNSW achieved the best national performance in the environmental impact category ranking eighth, and fifth in its contributing indicator sustainable institutions.

USYD director of sustainability Gillian Graham-Crowe spoke to Digital Nation Australia about the role of universities in driving social and environmental outcomes.

“Universities together are a powerful voice and force within our community and I think that is demonstrated by what we have already achieved and set out to achieve,” said Graham-Crowe.

“We aim to deliver solutions to the interconnected problems facing our shared future with tangible actions and outcomes. We have committed to a pathway of net zero emissions, and we aim to send zero waste to landfill and reduce our potable water use by 30 percent by 2030, as part of our sustainability strategy. We are passionate about cultivating a local and international culture of sustainability and committed to embedding sustainability in every aspect of university life.”

A UNSW spokesperson told Digital Nation Australia that the results reflect the university’s mission to promote environmental and social sustainability.

“As an organisation with a genuinely global reach, UNSW appreciates the importance of sustainable development that supports peace and prosperity for people and the planet,” they said.

“The result reflects the University’s mission of driving towards a just, sustainable world – having a positive impact on the environment, social policies that promote equality and producing cutting-edge research. Importantly, these rankings reinforce our commitment to issues that are important to the UNSW community and strengthen our resolve towards advancing a just society.”

RMIT University was also highlighted in the report, as the highest-ranked Australian institution that is neither a sandstone university nor a member of the group of eight highly performing universities (Go8).

RMIT vice-chancellor and president, Professor Alec Cameron told Digital Nation Australia, "These rankings demonstrate how universities apply their expertise and influence to address societal changes and challenges in practical ways. RMIT is proud to be recognised among global leaders when it comes to the drive for sustainable development and a more equitable world.

"The strong results we've achieved in the inaugural QS Sustainability Rankings highlight how we use our innovative learning, teaching and research to contribute in the communities we serve.”