Two Canadian universities place among top 10 in global sustainability rankings
Key takeaways
- Queen's University and the University of Alberta rank among the top 10 universities globally for sustainability.
- This ranking is based on the universities' alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The rankings were published on June 23, 2026, by Times Higher Education (THE).
- A total of 20 Canadian universities were recognized in the 2026 rankings.
Times Higher Education (THE) has revealed that Queen's University and the University of Alberta have secured positions among the top 10 universities worldwide in sustainability. This recognition comes as part of THE's 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings, which assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The announcement on June 23, 2026, emphasizes the growing significance of sustainability within educational institutions.
The rankings reflect the universities' efforts in four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. Queen's University achieved a remarkable fourth place globally with a score of 97.5 in the Sustainable Cities category, while the University of Alberta tied for tenth with a score of 96.0, focusing on Industry & Innovation. This accomplishment marks an important milestone for Canadian higher education, as Canada was the only North American country represented in the global top 10.
Leading Canadian universities in sustainability rankings
In 2026, Queen's University and the University of Alberta emerged as the top Canadian universities in sustainability rankings. Specifically, Queen's University ranked fourth globally, while the University of Alberta secured tenth place. Their strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, which encompass vital areas like climate action and gender equality, played a significant role in their overall performance.
In total, 20 Canadian universities were included in THE's 2026 global ranking. Other notable institutions, such as Western University, McMaster University, and Simon Fraser University, also ranked within the top 20. Interestingly, three of Canada's prominent universities—University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University—did not make it to the top 10 this year.
Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consist of 17 interconnected global goals established by the United Nations. These goals tackle various global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Universities like Queen's and Alberta have aligned their sustainability initiatives with these goals, demonstrating their commitment to addressing urgent global issues.
To be included in THE's sustainability rankings, universities must submit data on SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) along with at least three other SDGs. The overall ranking combines the SDG 17 score with the university's top three results across the remaining SDGs, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Canadian universities' global sustainability ranking
In the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings, Canada's performance was notable, with 20 universities making the list. This achievement underscores the increasing dedication of Canadian institutions to sustainability practices. The rankings reflect a broader trend in higher education, where sustainability is becoming a crucial factor for attracting international students and faculty.
The ranking methodology evaluated universities based on their contributions to sustainability through research, resource management, community engagement, and education. This thorough approach ensures that institutions not only focus on internal practices but also extend their impact to the communities they serve.
For prospective students considering studying in Canada, these rankings highlight institutions that prioritize sustainability, making them appealing choices for those who want to align their educational pursuits with global sustainability efforts. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, students may find these rankings valuable in their decision-making process.
For more information on these developments, interested applicants can refer to the detailed report published by CIC News.
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