Edinburgh boosts score to rank fourth in the world for sustainability

The University of Edinburgh has been ranked 4th out of over 2000 universities globally by the QS World University Rankings 2026: Sustainability.

The University placed second in the UK and third in Europe. This builds on last year’s performance, when the University was ranked 7th in the world, 4th in Europe and 2nd in the UK.

As well as climbing the rankings, the University’s overall scores have increased compared to previous years, indicating progress across each of the three categories: Environmental Impact, Social Impact and Governance.

The University’s top scoring "performance lenses” included Health & Wellbeing (assessing commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of humanity at large), Employability and Opportunities (assessing connections with employers and graduate opportunities), and Environmental Education (assessing education for environmental impact).

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026

We are striving to become a university where our commitment to positive social and environmental impact is evident in every corner of our campus—from laboratories to cafes, from lecture theatres to woodlands. We have a long way to go to become a truly sustainable university, but we can take pride in our progress to date and continue to champion the many opportunities available for our students and staff to be part of our journey.

6th in the world for social impact

This year, the University ranked particularly highly for its social impact outcomes, jumping from 12^th place last year up to 6^th. Through initiatives like the Community Access to Rooms Scheme, socially positive investments and the Community Grants Scheme, the University has demonstrated its commitment to supporting local communities across the Edinburgh City Region.

In October, the University announced its new Community Plan, which will continue to build partnerships for positive social impact; promote equalities, and support thriving communities.

Read the University's Community Plan

Case study: Edinburgh Bioquarter

Edinburgh BioQuarter is a leading hub of healthcare delivery, medical research and innovation. With people from areas of higher deprivation underrepresented in STEM careers, higher education and less likely to be able to access opportunities for better employment and outcomes, the BioQuarter has committed to empowering its neighbouring communities.

A comprehensive community engagement programme was launched, the cornerstone of which is the Superlab at Castlebrae Community Campus – a 60-seater facility hosting hands-on learning experiences, inspiring a passion for science across age groups.

A young person looking into a microscope, with a school pupil also examining a microscope in the background

Provide services to our communities: BioQuarter

12th in the world for environmental impact

The University has improved its Environmental Impact scores too, achieving particular recognition for Environmental Education. This category assesses the University’s academic reputation in environmental studies, the impact of its alumni on environmental sustainability, and the availability of climate science and sustainability courses.

Sustainability in teaching and learning

Case study: Fieldwork with the Forest and Peatland Programme

The University’s Forest and Peatland Programme offers students and researchers an unprecedented opportunity to conduct teaching, learning and fieldwork across woodland creation and peatland restoration sites across Scotland. Over 600,000 trees have been planted to date, with the aim of sequestering carbon and creating habitats for nature.

Earlier this year, three fully funded PhD studentships were announced to explore the impact of the Programme on societal benefits, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The research outcomes will help to inform decision-making and planning of the sites.

The Forest and Peatland Programme

Learning from the land: A Drumbrae visit (blog)

Three people walk across a hillside with rucksacks and technical equipment

Raising ambition and building on progress

In 2026 the University of Edinburgh will announce its ambitious new environmental sustainability strategy, which will seek to support nature restoration and address resource-use, in addition to seeking to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Rooted in its Strategy 2030 vision, the University continues to champion a whole-institution approach to sustainability, ensuring that all students and staff have access to sustainability training, and that addressing the climate and environmental crises are represented as one of the University’s three main research and innovation missions.

Be part of our journey

There are plenty of ways that our staff and students can take action for sustainability:

About the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability assess an institution’s commitments to building a sustainable world with emphasis on their influence beyond campus grounds. It evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as not only centres of education and research, but also as major employers.

In this edition, there are over 251 new institutions ranked, bringing the total number of ranked institutions to 2,002.

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability