UCT Climbs to 40th in the World for Sustainability: A Proud Achievement

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has reached a remarkable milestone by climbing 10 places to secure a joint 40th position in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for Sustainability. Released on December 10, 2023, this ranking not only elevates UCT’s status but also underscores its dedication to sustainability and leadership within the African continent. The university remains the top-ranked institution in Africa and continues to be a cornerstone among South African universities in this crucial area.

As the global community faces interconnected challenges, including climate change, socioeconomic disparities, governance issues, and environmental injustice, higher education institutions are increasingly seen as vital agents of change. Universities have the potential to shape future leaders, drive sustainability research, and craft solutions that align with global initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Our work as a university is rooted in ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all,” stated Professor Jeff Murugan, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation at UCT. This sentiment reflects the commitment embedded within UCT’s mission and operations.

Assessing Sustainability

The QS Sustainability Rankings measure the performance of institutions based on their commitment to sustainability across three foundational categories: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance. Over 1,751 universities from around the world were evaluated, with UCT standing out remarkably among the 70 African universities and 13 South African institutions included in the assessment. UCT's position in the ranking signifies its position in the top 2.5% of universities globally.

Methodology and Performance Metrics

1. Environmental Impact (45%): Encompassing Environmental Education, Environmental Research, and Environmental Sustainability.
2. Social Impact (45%): Including Employability and Outcomes, Equality, Health & Wellbeing, Impact of Education, and Knowledge Exchange.
3. Governance (10%): Focused on Good Governance practices.

Among these categories, UCT demonstrated its strongest performance in Environmental Impact, achieving a tie for 40th globally. Furthermore, UCT's showing in the Social Impact category was commendable, tying for 94th place and making notable strides across key indicators, especially in Knowledge Exchange, where it ranked 81st. In Governance, UCT excelled even further, achieving a tie for 39th place.

“As UCT continues to push boundaries in sustainability, this ranking reaffirms our community’s steadfast commitment to addressing the pressing sustainability challenges of our era,” said Manfred Braune, UCT’s director of environmental sustainability in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every student and staff member who contributes to our sustainability goals.”

A Commitment to Change: Khusela Ikamva

One of the university's pioneering initiatives is the Khusela Ikamva project, which serves as a "living lab" for sustainability. This project fosters collaboration across academic, professional, and student bodies to create, test, and implement sustainable practices and solutions within and beyond campus boundaries. According to Professor Murugan, “UCT will continue to drive innovative approaches that make sustainability a part of everyday life – on our campuses with the aim that we can influence practices in the rest of the country and beyond.”

Context: Global Ranking Trends

In addition to its QS Sustainability Ranking, UCT has made impressive strides in other global assessments of sustainability-related impacts. The university achieved a historic milestone earlier this year, breaking into the top 100 for the first time in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, coming in at an impressive 77th position globally. These rankings are crucial as they measure how higher education institutions contribute to the UN SDGs through research, teaching, and effective institutional practices.

In these rankings, UCT particularly excelled in SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals), securing 7th globally, while also showing remarkable performance in SDG 14 (Life Below Water), where it ranked 13th, marking an exceptional accomplishment considering it was the university's first submission in this category. The institution also featured in the top 100 for four additional SDGs:

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) – 23rd
• SDG 1 (No Poverty) – 64th
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) – 81st
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) – 98th

These achievements reflect UCT’s ongoing commitment not only to academic excellence but also to impact-driven activities that contribute to the sustainability of both the local and global community.

Looking Ahead

UCT’s recent ranking as the 40th university in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability is not merely a numerical achievement; it represents a commitment to fostering a more sustainable and equitable future. As the university continues its journey towards sustainability, the aim is to create more initiatives that contribute to environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic equality, aligning with global goals and aspirations.

By maintaining a focus on sustainability, UCT hopes to inspire not only its students and faculty but also the broader South African society and beyond. As the urgency surrounding climate change and social inequities intensifies, the role of leading institutions like UCT becomes paramount in shaping a better tomorrow.

In conclusion, the ascent of UCT in the QS Sustainability Rankings highlights a shared ambition among its community members to be at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Through innovative projects like Khusela Ikamva and collaboration on a global scale, UCT is poised to lead conversations around sustainability, enact substantial change, and cultivate a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.