Dublin City University rises in world sustainability rankings

Dublin City University has advanced to the top 150 of world universities ranked in the global QS Sustainability rankings, which examine how third-level institutions are tackling the world's environmental and social challenges. 

The rise reflects the university's commitment to making decisions that lead to a zero-carbon organisation, and to embedding sustainability at the core of teaching and learning, research, development and innovation. Sustainable development is a key driver for the university’s recently launched 2023-2028 strategy, Transformation for an Unscripted Future.

DCU is ranked 4th in Ireland and 64th in Europe in the recently announced QS rankings, which looked at 1,403 universities through the lens of Environmental Impact, Social Impact and Governance. DCU ranked joint 25th globally for the Equality category, and first in Ireland for Good Governance and Environmental Sustainability.

In the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, also released this week, DCU was ranked 11th globally. This assessment is based on three pillars - namely environmental,  economic, and social value - with subcategories ranking the condition and infrastructure of the college campus, energy use, waste management, water usage, transportation, education and research.

Speaking about the results, Professor Daire Keogh, DCU President said:

Our progress in these global rankings reflects the unwavering commitment of DCU staff and students to fostering a sustainable future. Climate Change is an era-defining challenge for the world and for that reason, sustainability is embedded in every facet of our University. While acknowledging that there is always more to be done in this field, we are proud that DCU’s efforts have been recognised.

In May of this year, DCU was ranked the 6th best university in the world for its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023. These rankings capture universities’ impact on society and are based on institutions’ success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The University was also ranked 8th best in the world and first in Ireland for UN SDG 5, Gender Equality.

Speaking about the QS Sustainability Rankings, Samantha Fahy, Sustainability DCU said:

It is great to see DCU rising in the Sustainability rankings. Many students and staff from our DCU Estates Team, Professional Units and all Faculties are taking significant action to address climate and biodiversity challenges.  However, significantly more transformative actions are needed by all to ensure that we deliver the best education for our current and future students within our carbon budgets/planetary boundaries while we continue to encourage and support our broader society and government to make the necessary system changes.

To find out more about sustainability at DCU, visit the website.