We have been named among the world’s top 40 universities for delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assessed 2,318 institutions worldwide for their contribution to the 17 UN SDGs, and we were ranked 34th.
That is our highest ranking since the rankings were established in 2019, and we enhanced our position for a third consecutive year. We are also the most improved of any UK university since last year.
The UN introduced the SDGs in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
We ranked fifth in the world for SDG15: Life on Land; sixth for SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and joint 17th for SDG13: Climate Action.
In addition, we were placed 31st for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; and 36th for SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
We’re always developing new ways of thinking to shape a better future for our planet. Our research strengths in energy span all four of our faculties and sustainability is embedded across our teaching and research.
We’ve made great strides to reduce our own carbon footprint and have ambitious targets to achieve net zero carbon by 2035 and a biodiversity net gain by 2032.
Recently, we have launched the National Geothermal Centre to accelerate research and innovation for the geothermal energy sector and we’ve secured £11.5 million to transform sewage into sustainable fuels.
We’re expanding our knowledge of clean hydrogen; we lead the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub to decarbonise the maritime sector; and the Durham Centre for Crop Improvement Technology is leading the world in crop improvement and protection.
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