University of Waterloo has been recognized recently as being among the top 3% of institutions globally for its sustainability efforts.
For the past several decades, the higher education sector globally has been at the forefront of supporting the shift to a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.
From social and technological innovation to educating the next generation of leaders, universities and colleges play a critical role in building the talent and understanding that will help humanity navigate a transition to a prosperous future for people and the planet.
Given the incredible achievements and contributions of so many campuses, Waterloo is proud to be ranked 60th globally, out of more than 1,700 participating institutions, and 6th in Canada, in the 2025 QS Top Universities Sustainability ranking.
Launched in 2022, this ranking was established to help highlight the many ways that campuses around the world are leveraging their strengths in discovery and mobilization of knowledge to address complex sustainability challenges such as the climate crisis, biodiversity collapse, and numerous social inequities, as well as how they are addressing those issues on their own campuses.
Waterloo improved in its overall ranking from 68th in 2024, and it is in the top 100 in each of the environmental, social, and governance categories, covering more than 50 indicators and data points.
“It is encouraging to see Waterloo placing among the top universities in the world for sustainability,” says Mat Thijssen, Director of Sustainability. “The University has articulated a long-term vision for the campus through Waterloo at 100 that has Sustainable Futures as part of its core. The continued emphasis on sustainability among global rankings such as QS reinforces its importance to Waterloo’s impact and success.”
These improvements are a reflection of continued investment into innovative sustainability education and research, as well as efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of campus infrastructure through the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Shift:Neutral climate action plan.
From exciting actions to integrate sustainability in the classroom, to widespread efforts to reduce emissions and improve campus biodiversity, making progress relies on thousands of people with a commitment to campus goals and global impacts.
“This ranking demonstrates that our actions are important and are having an impact,” says Thijssen. “And yet we know we have so much more to do, and I’m grateful for the many individuals and departments who are supporting Waterloo’s efforts.”
For more information about the ranking and results, visit the QS Sustainability website. To learn more about Waterloo’s sustainability efforts and progress, read the latest Environmental Sustainability Report.