Lancaster University has achieved 26th position out of 700 in a global league table measuring sustainability - ranking in the top 3.7 per cent.

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2023 places the university as the 7th most sustainable in the UK, which is joint 26th with Stanford University in the USA.

The table, which was released on Wednesday (October 26), is designed to measure how universities are taking action to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance challenges.

Lancaster scored particularly highly for social equality, which looks at gender ratios at the University and Sustainable Institutions, which assesses the university’s operations and commitment to sustainability – both ranking 6th in the UK.

Lancaster University pro-vice-chancellor global (digital, international, sustainability) professor Simon Guy said: “At Lancaster, we recognise that sustainability, the climate emergency and our environment are the responsibility of our whole community.

“We are delighted to see Lancaster recognised in these rankings for our commitments to sustainability and proud of the hard work of colleagues across the University towards tackling the climate emergency.”

According to Uswitch, Lancaster University is among one the many producers of renewable energy in the UK.

Since 2005, the university has reduced its electricity and heating emissions by 50 per cent and is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2035.

One business and finance student at Lancaster University, Cole Glover, has even started his own sustainable furniture business in an effort to reduce landfill and help the environment.

The highest-ranking UK university is the University of Edinburgh in 4th place, and the lowest-ranking university in the country is the University of Salford, placing 68th.

The rankings are made up of data from the institution’s operations (utilities, food, student engagement, staff statistics and sustainable initiatives), research papers submitted and UNESCO data.

Find out more about Lancaster University's sustainability commitments here.