UCL has strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainability, ranking 1st in the UK, 2nd in Europe and 3rd globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026.
UCL has moved up two spots this year from joint 5th to 3rd. With an overall score of 99 out of 100, UCL continues to demonstrate the impact of its research, education and operations.
The QS Sustainability Rankings assess how universities address the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. Over 2,000 institutions are evaluated across indicators such as environmental impact, social responsibility and governance. UCL’s performance reflects its commitment to creating a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future, as outlined in our new 10-year sustainability plan.
UCL’s standout achievements in the 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings:
- Knowledge Exchange – 1st globally and in the UK
From pioneering climate prediction systems to advancing sustainable aviation research, UCL’s efforts to foster partnerships between developed and developing regions have been recognised. UCL is at the forefront of innovative thinking, driving educational growth and creating positive impacts for both local and global communities, through collaborations with organisations such as the National Trust and the European Space Agency. By working closely with partners and the wider community, we continue to develop research excellence and deliver solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges.
- Health and Wellbeing: joint 4th globally and joint 1st in the UK
This reflects UCL’s commitment to promoting the wellbeing of its students, staff and society at large through innovative health initiatives and forward-thinking policies around psychological support and wellbeing. UCL was among the first universities to achieve the University Mental Health Charter Mark and continues to lead through services such as Psychological First Aid, partnerships with the NHS, and research and innovation through the Grand Challenge of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- Governance – joint 3rd globally and joint 2nd in the UK
UCL’s strong governance framework embeds sustainability into every decision. The UCL 2034 Strategy and the Strategic Plan 2022-27 will ensure transparency and accountability through rigorous reporting on carbon reduction, equality, diversity and inclusion, and financial sustainability.
- Environmental Sustainability – 5th globally and 2nd in the UK
This reflects UCL’s sustainable operations, teaching, and research. Since 2019, we have cut building energy emissions by 56%, transitioned to renewable electricity, and opened PEARL, our first net-zero carbon building.
Driving change through the new UCL Sustainability Plan (2025–2035)
Building on these achievements, UCL has launched the Sustainability Plan 2025–2035, a roadmap for ambitious and measurable progress over the next decade. The plan sets out clear goals and review points in 2027 and 2030 to ensure transparency and accountability. Key commitments include:
- Net zero carbon emissions for our own buildings and energy use by 2030 (known as Scopes 1 and 2 when categorising emissions), and from everything else, including indirect emissions, by 2040, a decade ahead of government targets.
- Enhancing biodiversity across campus and our supply chains, aiming for a 20% biodiversity net gain by 2034.
- Embedding sustainability in education and teaching, as well as harnessing UCL’s research strengths to address global challenges, from climate prediction systems to sustainable laboratory practices.
Dr Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost, said: “Achieving 3rd place globally and 1st in the UK in the QS Sustainability Rankings is an outstanding accomplishment. With more than 2,000 institutions assessed, this result reflects the commitment of our staff, students and partners to building a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world. As we launch our new UCL Sustainability Plan (2025–2035), we are reaffirming our dedication to bold action and collaboration to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges and create a better future for all.”
Professor Lisa Vanhala, who is a UCL Pro-Vice-Provost (Climate Crisis) alongside Professor Mark Maslin, said: “Ranking first globally for knowledge exchange is a phenomenal achievement and speaks to UCL’s unique strength in connecting research with real-world solutions. Whether it’s influencing climate policy, partnering with industry to accelerate innovation, or working with communities to co-create change, we are proud to see UCL recognised as a global leader.’’
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, said: “The UK has the highest number of institutions in the top 10, top 50, and top 200 of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026. This year’s results demonstrate the UK sector’s strong commitment to societal and environmental sustainability, and its continued innovation in pursuit of a more equal, fair, and just world.
“Our Sustainability Rankings feed directly into the QS World University Rankings. We recognise institutions that translate climate ambition and social purpose into measurable progress. This aligns closely with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Post-16 reforms, which emphasise net-zero leadership, regional growth, and equipping learners with the skills required for a greener, fairer economy.”
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Chris Lane
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E: chris.lane [at] ucl.ac.uk
