University of Birmingham achieves 35th position in the 2024 QS World Sustainability Ranking

University of Birmingham has secured 35th position in the 2024 QS World Sustainability Ranking

Group of people walking through campus

University of Birmingham

This achievement underscores the institution’s commitment to sustainability and recognises the substantial progress made over the past year.

This achievement reflects the significant efforts we are making to embed sustainability in all we do. Not only through our world-leading research, campus operations, and education, but also collaborating with our student community, policymakers, businesses, and wider society to help secure a more sustainable future for all

Professor David Hannah, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sustainability at University of Birmingham

Key highlights:

  • University of Birmingham has risen to the 35th position globally out of 1,403 institutions, from 101st position in the inaugural ranking last year.
  • University of Birmingham has climbed to the 14th position in the UK out of 93 institutions, from 21st position last year.
  • The University has improved particularly in the Environmental Impact category (up to 56th from 176th) and the Social Impact category (up to 20th from 50th). The introduction of the Governance category has seen the University of Birmingham ranked 38th globally.
  • Within the broader categories of Environmental and Social Impact, University of Birmingham boasts exceptional achievements - now ranked second in the world for Health & Wellbeing, reflecting a commitment to well-being of both students and society.
  • Additionally, the University is 11th globally for Knowledge Exchange, highlighting the role in fostering educational growth and positive community impact.

We are delighted to receive this accolade and pleased that our efforts to improve sustainability are being recognised. We have made some huge strides in the past year, from developing our net zero carbon plan through to embedding Green Impact Awards and LEAF sustainable labs, within our community. We are working on many other plans, and we are excited to work with our students, colleagues, and the wider community too, on this journey to a become a more sustainable University

Charmaine Morrell, Head of Sustainability at University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham has a commitment to achieve net zero carbon for scope 1 and 2 by 2035, and overall, by 2045. It is seeking to change society and the environment positively and use its research and education to make a major global contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more at www.birmingham.ac.uk/sustainability