The University of Nottingham has retained its position in the world's top 101-200 institutions in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, while being placed among the top 100 globally for five individual UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the 17 UN SDGs, evaluating institutions on their research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. Nottingham submitted nine SDGs for assessment this year, in the areas that best reflect the university's strengths and impact across its UK, China, and Malaysia campuses.
Among the five goals where Nottingham placed in the world's top 100, the university ranked 92nd out of 797 institutions for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 73rd out of 1,003 for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 53rd out of 865 for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 69th out of 758 for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 59th out of 658 for SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Professor Sarah Metcalfe, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said the recognition reflects the dedication of colleagues across the university's UK, Malaysia, and China campuses. "Our tri-campus strengths enable us to collaborate across borders and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals," she said, adding that the university will continue strengthening partnerships with communities, businesses, and organisations worldwide.
At the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), researchers have contributed directly to this global standing, including pioneering microplastic studies in the country's rivers and aquatic life, supported by the United Nations Development Programme to develop water treatment technologies. UNM also recently published its Environmental Sustainability Statement 2025, recording a 17.6% reduction in water consumption and a 26.3% drop in waste sent to landfill over the first four months of tracking, alongside the planting of close to 300 native trees across campus.
Professor Matthew Ashfold from the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Chair of UNM's Environmental and Sustainability Committee, said: "The Impact ranking reflects the wide range of important contributions that universities can make to the SDGs, including through our research and education, our engagement and partnerships beyond the university, and our campus operations and governance," he said.
Ashfold noted that UNM's four research Signature Strengths are closely aligned with the SDGs, and that openly sharing data as UNM did through its 2025 Environmental Sustainability Statement is itself a fundamental contribution to sustainable development. He added that this progress is driven by the collective efforts of students, staff, and partners.
The recognition is a testament to UNM's continued commitment to advancing sustainable development through research, education, and transparent reporting of its environmental impact.
Posted on 3rd July 2026