The QS Sustainability Rankings evaluates how universities are taking action on environmental and social challenges. The ranking uses eight indicators split into two broad categories — Environmental Impact and Social Impact — to capture university performance in making positive change for people and planet.
Indicator Categories
Environmental Impact (50%)
| Indicator | Weight |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Institutions | ~17% |
| Sustainable Education | ~17% |
| Sustainable Research | ~17% |
Social Impact (50%)
| Indicator | Weight |
|---|---|
| Equality | ~10% |
| Knowledge Exchange | ~10% |
| Impact of Education | ~10% |
| Employability and Opportunities | ~10% |
| Quality of Life | ~10% |
Indicator Definitions
Environmental Impact
Sustainable Institutions — Assesses whether a university holds membership in officially recognized climate action or sustainability groups, has a publicly available sustainability strategy and energy emissions report, has student societies focused on environmental sustainability, and a published commitment to becoming Net Zero.
Sustainable Education — Evaluates alumni outcomes and academic reputation within earth, marine, and environmental sciences courses; the availability of courses embedding climate science and sustainability in the curriculum; and whether the university has a research centre dedicated to environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Research — Measures the university's research activity around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (specifically the environment-related SDGs) and whether the government is funding research and development in this area.
Social Impact
Equality — Assesses institutions on the proportion of female students and faculty, the availability of public equality, diversity and inclusion policies, and the level of disability support provided.
Knowledge Exchange — Measures a university's commitment to knowledge transfer in collaboration with less economically supported institutions, and its inclination to partner with other institutions and organizations.
Impact of Education — Evaluates the university's research into quality education, alumni impact, academic reputation in relevant social subjects, and the level of academic and intellectual freedom enjoyed by students and faculty.
Employability and Opportunities — Assesses an institution's record of producing graduates with strong employment outcomes, with a focus on social mobility and providing opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds.
Quality of Life — Measures the support and well-being services available to students and staff, including healthcare access, mental health support, sports facilities, and the safety of the campus and surrounding area.
Data Sources
- QS Academic Survey and QS Employer Survey
- UN SDG-related research data: Scopus (Elsevier)
- Institutional data: Submitted by universities and verified from public sources
- Membership data: International climate and sustainability bodies