Sustainable universities in Europe
Choosing a study abroad programme is a major decision. There are several ways to determine whether or not your university respects the environment and works in a sustainable manner. Sustainability rankings are one of them.
We are facing a global climate crisis. Increasing levels of greenhouse gases and pollution have pushed ourselves and the rest of the world to the brink of catastrophic climate change. Now is the time to act! And it is up to everyone, including students, to do their part. It is more important than ever for us to make wise, well-considered decisions.
Universities have been seen as institutions educating and giving opportunities to future generations. They play a key role in the transition towards carbon neutral and sustainable societies and should be an example of how sustainability is implemented.
Students can contribute to positive global change by choosing a sustainable university or challenging their university to follow the example of other green universities.
The UI Green Metric World University Ranking shows every year which universities are the most ecologically friendly.
The criteria that are considered to be of importance by universities concerned with sustainability are:
Setting and infrastructure
These criteria provide basic information on the green practices of the university, green spaces developments on campus and the use of safeguarding methods with the well-being of students and staff in mind.
Energy and climate change
The university is scored on how energy efficient it is and what actions are taken to reduce greenhouse gases and make changes towards green and renewable energy.
Waste
Waste treatment and recycling are critical components of a sustainable environment and the universities should promote recycling and waste reduction to be greener.
Water
Water use and how water consumption is reduced is an important factor that is considered in the evaluation of the universities.
Transportation
The university’s transportation system has a significant impact on carbon emissions and pollution levels and looks at the use of private vehicles, promoting public transport and alternative green transportation methods, such as cycling.
Education and research
Universities have a significant influence in developing the next generation who cares about environmental issues and these criteria consider the programmes promoting and teaching sustainability and extra-curricular activities and events contributing to sustainability awareness.
The following European universities are the top 5 greenest universities according to the ranking in 2021:
1 – Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)
2 – University of Nottingham (United Kingdom)
3 – University of Groningen (Netherlands)
4 – Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
5 – Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld (Trier University of Applied Sciences – Germany)
