University of Birmingham achieves top 50 position in global sustainability rankings

The University of Birmingham has reaffirmed its position as a leading higher education institution for sustainability, ranking 43rd globally and 16th nationally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026.

The University has improved its rankings across most key categories within the sustainability rankings. It has risen 95 places in the Impact of Education category, ranking 23rd globally and 5th in the UK. We have also placed:

• 6th globally and 3rd in the UK for Social Impact,

• 4th globally and 1st in the UK for Health and Wellbeing,

• 4th globally and 4th in the UK for Knowledge Exchange,

• 59th globally and 9th in the UK for Environmental Research, and

• 10th globally and 7th in the UK for Sustainability Governance.

Commenting on the University’s success, Zoe Hurley, Head of Sustainability, said: “We are delighted by our strong performance in the 2026 QS World Sustainability Rankings. This not only demonstrates the University’s commitment to delivering positive change through our research, education and operations, but also demonstrates the individual and collective actions of our University community towards building a greener future.”

In the last year, the University has taken significant steps to deliver its overarching sustainability goals and priorities. This is captured in the recently-launched the Sustainability in Focus: A Year in Progress 2024/5. This inaugural report examines the holistic approach the University is leading and provides highlights of activities and progress to date.

From signing three internationally recognised pledges to being awarded a certificate of Education Partnership by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), the University has made great progress on its sustainability journey.

The University of Birmingham’s sustainability and environmental research is at the forefront of its mission to create a greener, more sustainable world. Led through initiatives like the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability & Climate Action (BISCA) and the Brazil Institute (UBBI), the University is addressing five critical areas: adaptation and resilience, sustainability education, equitable energy transition, climate justice and health, and climate finance.

This commitment is reflected on the global stage, as the University takes part in the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), the premier international summit on climate change, which the University of Birmingham is proud to be a part.

Professor David Hannah, Deputy-Pro-Vice Chancellor (Sustainability), said: “We champion interdisciplinary research that brings together policymakers, academics, business and communities to drive progress toward a sustainable and just future for all. As the world convenes for COP30 in Brazil this year, this mission is more critical than ever. I look forward to continuing our journey toward sustainability.”

Thousands of people will attend COP30 this year. Among them are two students from the University who previously spent time in Brazil, as part of the University of Birmingham Brazil Institute’s (UBBI) Immerse Amazonia Project.

Professor Julia Myatt, Director of Sustainability Education, said: "At the University of Birmingham, sustainability education is about shaping leaders who will transform the world. Through knowledge, innovation and collaboration, we empower our student community to create a future where people and planet thrive together."

The QS World Sustainability Rankings measure an institution’s ability to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance challenges. It evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and research, as well as a major employer with the operational sustainability challenges of any large and complex organization.

More than 200 institutions have joined the QS World Sustainability Rankings since 2025, marking a 12.5% increase of the field and making the University’s achievement even more significant.

The University of Birmingham 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 at www.birmingham.ac.uk/sustainability.