Leicester rises in global sustainability world rankings
The University of Leicester has climbed more than 25 places in a league table which ranks the sustainable credentials of universities around the globe.
Leicester shot up 28 places to 157th in the world, and went up five places to 32nd in the UK, in the 2025 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
This follows a rise of more than 100 places in last year’s rankings – demonstrating the institution’s commitment to driving its sustainability agenda.
The rankings are based on three main categories: Environmental Impact, Social Impact and Governance. They provide a unique and detailed framework to assess how universities are taking action to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.
Research is taking place across the University of Leicester to tackle climate change, as demonstrated by academics who recently brought their expert insights to the heart of COP29.
At COP29, Leicester was granted observer status which will increase the University’s opportunities to make a difference through responding to calls for information and views issued by the UNFCCC negotiating bodies, constituted bodies and work programmes and proposing side events and exhibits at UNFCCC sessions.
Sustainability is at the core of the University’s Institute for Environmental Futures, which carries out transformative and transdisciplinary research into human-environment systems, co-developing policy solutions and innovations towards an environmentally sustainable future.
The NERC National Centre for Earth Observation is also headquartered at the University of Leicester, and is home to researchers working to tackle low quality of air in urban areas, protecting peatlands and reducing methane emissions.
Since September 2017, the University has been signed up to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and plans to be net zero by 2040.
Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering, said: “It is fantastic to see Leicester rise further up the QS World University Rankings for another year running and be recognised on the global stage.
“The University’s score confirms its place among leaders in the UK for sustainability, underscoring our commitment to drive meaningful change for the benefit of society and the planet.
“Environmental sustainability is one of the institution’s four strategic guiding principles that inform our decision-making, and is embedded in everything we do – from world-class teaching, to our pioneering research that informs global policy.”