University of Toronto judged as “World’s Most Sustainable University” in 2024 QS Rankings

Highlights:

• The University of Toronto claims the top spot in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024.
•  U of T’s stellar performance shines in the Social Impact category, with Knowledge Exchange and Equality as its strongest points.
•  Other Canadian universities, including UC Berkeley and The University of Manchester, also make the top 5.

The University of Toronto (U of T) has climbed to the pinnacle of global sustainability in the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, securing the coveted title of “World’s Most Sustainable University.” This remarkable achievement highlights U of T’s dedication to environmental responsibility, social justice, and ethical governance, showcasing its commitment to building a better future for all.

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 placed University of Toronto first out of more than 1,400 institutions across 95 countries.  The University of Toronto has been named the most sustainable university in the world by the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024, which evaluates universities for their environmental impact, social impact and governance.

The ranking is released  by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds. The ranking uses more than 75 data points, grouped into nine lenses, to rank institutions in its three main categories. For environmental impact, the ranking examines environmental education, research and sustainability. For social impact, it looks at employability and outcomes, equality, health and well-being, impact of education and knowledge exchange. And for governance, the ranking evaluates indicators of good governance such as student representation and transparent financial reporting.

 What Makes a Sustainable University?

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability assess universities based on their performance in nine key areas: environment, education, research, operations, community engagement, inclusivity & diversity, knowledge exchange, innovation, and ethical governance. This holistic approach ensures that universities are not only addressing environmental challenges but also fostering social responsibility and ethical practices.

 “University of Toronto leadership in sustainability is an inspiration to universities around the world,” said Ben Sowter, Director of the QS World University Rankings. “Their dedication to social impact and knowledge exchange sets a high bar for others to aspire to.”

“This ranking is a well-deserved recognition of U of T’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility,” said Dr. Sarah Johnson, Director of University of Toronto’s Office of Sustainability. “We are proud of our achievements and committed to building on this momentum in the years to come.”

 U of T’s exceptional global performance headlined a strong showing by Canada, which had two universities in the top five and three in the top 10 – more than any other country (the University of British Columbia ranked fourth and Western University ranked 10th)

The University of Toronto’s achievement in the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability serves as a ray of hope for the future of higher education. By prioritizing sustainability in all its endeavors, U of T demonstrates that universities have the power to be powerful agents of positive change in the world. This recognition is not just a victory for University of Toronto; it is a victory for environmental responsibility, social justice, and a brighter future for all.