– We are both deeply honoured and proud of Lund University’s remarkable achievement of securing the top position in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability. This recognition is not merely a testament to Lund University’s academic excellence, but, more importantly, it highlights the longstanding commitment of LUCSUS. That is, our commitment to advance sustainability in research, education, and societal engagement, making research matter for people.
This achievement is the result of 25 years of dedicated work by LUCSUS researchers, students, and staff, all of whom have embraced sustainability as a core value and guiding principle. At LUCSUS, we have always believed that true progress in sustainability requires inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge disciplinary and institutional boundaries. This spirit, in conjunction with our flexible organisational structure, has helped to permeate our excellence in the classroom and through our impact initiatives. It is this spirit that has helped to propel Lund University to the forefront of global sustainability leadership.
However, being recognised as number one in the QS ranking in sustainability is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. It underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to constructively address the world’s most urgent environmental and social challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to questions of social and intergenerational justice and equitable development.
At LUCSUS, we do not separate these challenges but analyse them as systemic and interconnected. The QS ranking inspires us to continue working with local and global partners to seek greater understanding of the challenges we all face and to foster innovative solutions. It shows that we must realise how global political and economic interests often stand in the way of a true transition to a more sustainable world. Most importantly, we do this by empowering the next generation of sustainability change agents.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to integrating sustainability into all aspects of university life. Our journey is far from over, and we recognise that there is much more to be done. Together, as a university community, we will continue to strive for a more just, resilient, and sustainable future for all.
About the ranking
Behind the sustainability ranking, which measures both environmental and social sustainability, is the London-based analytics company Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). QS is one of the world’s most influential university rankings and is used globally as a measure of academic quality, impact, and sustainability.
Three dimensions of sustainability
QS is based on three categories: environmental impact, social impact, and governance.
Environmental impact – Lund University is #1 in the world (100 out of 100 points)
This category assesses both universities’ research and education and how the institution works to reduce its climate impact. Lund University ranks at the top globally thanks to strong research in climate, energy systems, sustainable production and consumption, biodiversity, oceans and sustainable cities – areas that directly relate to six of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Ambitious climate goals, energy efficiency, and transparency in sustainability work also contribute to the top position.
Social impact – Lund University is #22 in the world (97.9 out of 100 points)
This measures the universities’ work on equality, health, cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the societal benefit of their education. Lund University is ranked number one in the world in the subcategory equality and second in health and well-being – providing evidence of strong values, an inclusive environment, and long-term work towards social sustainability. The area where Lund University has the greatest potential for improvement is employability, which is largely influenced by global employer awareness of the university and the visibility of alumni achievements.
Governance – Lund University is #1 in the world (100 out of 100 points)
This measures how universities are led and organised. Lund University receives top marks for transparency, ethical leadership, student influence, and financial responsibility – factors that show that sustainability is embedded in both the culture and decision-making processes.