Waterloo is proud to be ranked among the top post-secondary institutions in the world for its efforts to build a more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future.
Through the Impact Rankings developed by Times Higher Education, the University of Waterloo placed 16th in the world and 2nd in Canada for its efforts which advance implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Waterloo participated alongside 766 other universities globally, including 19 from Canada.
“To rank so prominently among global peers is both an honour and a reflection of the tremendous spirit of innovation and impact that defines Waterloo,” says Jean Andrey, Dean of the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. “We continue to advance sustainability locally and globally, such as through the Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Canada, and are proud to take a leadership role.”
The ranking uses the SDGs as a framework for evaluation, given that these goals map out a global pathway to a prosperous and sustainable future. Scoring in each SDG is measured by a combination of research contributions, outreach and partnerships to accelerate progress, and institutional polices, services, and operational performance.
Waterloo participated in all 17 SDGs, placing in the top 10 on three of the goals, in the top 50 on a further five goals, and in the top 100 in six additional goals, demonstrating a breadth of positive contributions and performance.
The overall ranking was determined by an institution’s best performance in four of the goals, including SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
As Canada’s most innovative university, Waterloo has a long history of applying transformational thinking to complex problems. The University’s 2020-25 strategic plan, Connecting Imagination with Impact, accelerates this tradition with intersecting themes of developing talent for a complex future, advancing research for global impact, and strengthening sustainable and diverse communities.
“Society faces multiple connected challenges, from immediate emergencies in public health, to systemic crises such as rising inequality, political fragmentation, and accelerating environmental collapse,” says Mat Thijssen, Waterloo’s Sustainability Manager. “The higher education sector has a critical role to play in solving these and other global issues."
The Impact Ranking reinforces other assessments on Waterloo’s progress and contributions, including the University’s Global Impact report, Environmental Sustainability Report, Silver rating through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System, and leadership in achieving our HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 goals.
Of course, there is considerably more work to be done. Achieving the SDGs requires urgent action increasing across all levels of society, including universities. Waterloo’s recently launched Shift:Neutral climate action plan, for example, will strengthen contributions to SDG 13 – Climate Action. With an eye to the future, it is nonetheless important to acknowledge the steps taken.
“Waterloo’s progress is thanks to the efforts of many faculty, staff, and students,” says Thijssen. “It is wonderful to see the University of Waterloo place so highly in the Impact Ranking across a wide range of our actions.”
Ranking Details
|
Goal |
Global Ranking |
Canada Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
Overall |
16 |
2 |
|
1 – No Poverty |
2 |
1 |
|
2 – Zero Hunger |
3 |
1 |
|
3 – Good Health & Wellbeing |
101-200 |
11 (T) |
|
4 - Quality Education |
201-300 |
10 (T) |
|
5 – Gender Equality |
101-200 |
9 (T) |
|
6 – Clean Water & Sanitation |
51 (T) |
4 |
|
7 - Affordable & Clean Energy |
93 (T) |
10 |
|
8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth |
15 |
2 |
|
9 – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure |
22 (T) |
4 |
|
10 – Reduced Inequalities |
19 |
2 |
|
11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities |
22 (T) |
5 |
|
12 – Responsible Consumption & Production |
69 (T) |
11 |
|
13 – Climate Action |
88 (T) |
9 |
|
14 – Life Below Water |
5 |
2 |
|
15 – Life on Land |
16 |
3 |
|
16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions |
71 (T) |
11 |
|
17 – Partnerships for the Goals |
62 |
8 |
For more information on the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, visit the THE website.
For information about sustainability at the University of Waterloo, visit uwaterloo.ca/sustainability