Top universities for environmental and social sustainability

The University of Toronto has topped this year's ranking of the most sustainable universities and to learn more about their efforts to promote sustainability we spoke to Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto.

He told us: "To give just a few highlights, the University of Toronto offers a professional Master of Science in Sustainability Management, to equip future managers to be sustainability leaders in business, government and civil society organisations.

"We’ve also launched some very successful institution-wide strategic initiatives, such as Climate Positive Energy, our centre for interdisciplinary research in clean energy, and SDGs@UofT, which promotes research collaboration and knowledge mobilisation in sustainable development.

"At the same time, we're committed to offering sustainability learning and engagement opportunities to all of our students, in addition to those enrolled in one of our sustainability-related degree programmes.

"We believe that all jobs can be green jobs. This encourages all our students to gain knowledge and experience in sustainability, regardless of their focus in their studies. We also offer sustainability-related internships, career development and agent-of-change leadership training programmes and mentoring.

"These opportunities help students prepare to realise their potential as sustainability leaders at every stage of their careers."

The University of Edinburgh is one of the most sustainable universities in both Europe and the UK according to this year’s rankings. Matthew Lawson works within the university’s Department of Social Responsibility and Sustainability and told us of a growing trend among students actively interested in supporting sustainability:

“The last few years have brought into sharp focus the role and responsibilities of universities to support society to build a fairer and more sustainable world. 

“Students want to create a more sustainable future. They want opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and actions to address the climate crisis and the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). They want their university to be a leader on sustainability issues; they want to be actively leading sustainability projects, and develop their own knowledge, skills and leadership on climate and sustainability issues, recognising the climate and environmental emergency will impact their careers and lives.” 

Pratibha Muthukumarasamy studies at the University of Waterloo in Canada and says she expects her university to take responsibility when it comes to sustainability and social impact. 

“I was impressed by the social and sustainable initiatives at the University of Waterloo. When I researched the institution, I found comprehensive sustainability reports with clear annual targets and evidence of the progress made so far.” 

Hopefully, this new ranking will make it even easier for students like Pratibha to consider the sustainability of an institution when researching where to study, and for existing students to demand better of their universities. 

“As students, we have the power to hold our educational institutions to account,” said Pratibha. “I think every student, no matter what they study, can put the pressure on while they’re a part of that community.”