Times Higher Education (THE) has announced that Macquarie University ranks 82nd and is in the Top 25 worldwide for three of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for the 2021 global Impact Rankings.
THE Impact Rankings assess the performance of universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This year, 1115 universities around the world were assessed against the 17 SDGs for research, outreach, and stewardship.
Macquarie ranks 82nd overall, and is in the Top 25 for its performance in three of the goals:
SDG 15: Life on Land – Ranked 17th Globally
Macquarie has been recognised for its integration of sustainable practices throughout the Campus Masterplan and the Design Excellence and Urban Design Guidelines, the unique natural ecology of the campus, and management practices, including its approach to waste and water management.
SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals – Ranked 19th Globally
Macquarie has been ranked 19th for its contribution towards global partnerships for sustainable development. This includes research and teaching, round-table discussions with industry and government, public lectures to foster knowledge exchange, as well as external engagement and collaboration.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ranked 21st Globally
This ranking acknowledges Macquarie’s focus on water efficiency and reuse in the development of the natural and built environments, and in the management practices that support them.
Macquarie University ranked within the top 100 globally in four more goals:
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: 54th
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: 62nd
- SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: 70th
- SDG 5 – Gender Equality: 80th
Professor David Wilkinson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Engagement, says he is proud to see Macquarie University outperforming many prestigious peers internationally:
“These rankings are important in ensuring that we continue to contribute to a more sustainable world. It is fantastic that we have been recognised for our ongoing support to our land ecosystems and our determination to eliminate discrimination and ensure staff and student from under-represented groups form part of our Macquarie University community,” says Professor Wilkinson.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings was established in 2019 and is published annually. The rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
