Reading in global top 50 for QS Sustainability Rankings

The University of Reading is now joint 42 in the world for sustainability, according to the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 published today [10 December].

Reading has risen in the international league table for a third consecutive year, up from 61 in the world last year. A total of 1,744 institutions feature in the 2025 ranking.

The University is ranked at joint 26 in Europe, up from 30 last year, out of 556 institutions. It is also at joint 16 in the UK table (from 98 UK institutions), up from 21 last year.

In the global rankings, Reading is placed at joint 36 in the world for Environmental Impact, up from joint 43 last year. For the Social Impact ranking, Reading is now joint 88, up from joint 95 in the 2024 table.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “It is fantastic to see our continued progress in the QS Sustainability Rankings. Moving up the table for the third consecutive year demonstrates our long-term commitment to taking action on environmental sustainability.

"Sustainability is a key principle of the University of Reading and our bold ambition to be considered one of the greenest universities in the world requires the commitment of our whole community, including colleagues and students.

“The world is at a pivotal moment in addressing the challenges the planet faces. We will continue to evolve our plans to make the University lead the way in sustainability, in the UK and around the world."

Earlier this year, the University of Reading was named Sustainable University of the Year 2025 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

The QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 are published in full online.