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Global rankings recognise NTU’s sustainability work against UN targets

Nottingham Trent University has received a high ranking in a global table which scores universities on their success in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Boots Library roof garden
    NTU's Boots Library roof garden, on the city campus

    The university has today been ranked 57 out of 766 institutions in Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings, which assess performance of institutions against the UN’s 17 SDGs.

    The SDGs – adopted by the UN in 2015 –provide a framework for developing the world in a sustainable way.

    It is the first year that NTU has entered into the rankings, submitting information across four of the development goals: Affordable and Clean Energy; Responsible Consumption and Production; Life on Land and Partnership for the Goals.

    The ranking demonstrates NTU’s commitment to supporting the SDGs through its teaching, research and knowledge transfer, and in embodying them in its internal practices, policies and procedures and providing verifiable evidence of its activities.

    The university’s highest ranking was for SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, where it was fourth from 360 universities submitting on that particular SDG.

    This took into account all the important work NTU does around sustainable procurement, plastics minimisation, recycling, engagement with staff and students regarding sustainability and its transparency around reporting through its annual sustainability report.

    NTU is one of the most sustainable universities the world. During the last five years it has topped the People and Planet University League – which ranks all UK universities on their commitment to and management of sustainability –and is currently ranked third.

    It has also been ranked as the fifth most sustainable university in the world by UI GreenMetric, which scores universities against their infrastructure and performance relating to energy and climate change, waste, water, transport, and education.

    And last year the university won the Outstanding Leadership Team of the Year award at the Green Gown Awards, for leadership in the sector across all areas of the University.  These awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.

    “Achieving such a strong placing at first attempt reflects the strategic importance we place on sustainability,” said Steve Denton, Chief Operating Officer and Registrar at Nottingham Trent University.

    He said: “Working towards  the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals is reflected not just in the way the university is run, but in our teaching, our curriculum and our research.

    “We will not stop here - we’re delighted to be recognised for our efforts in this area and will continue to do more to make a difference both locally and globally.

    “This is something the whole NTU community can share in and I’d like to also acknowledge the work of the Sustainable Development Team for this achievement.”

    • Notes for editors

      Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Public Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email.

      Universities could provide information on a minimum of four SDGs for the Impact Rankings and Times Higher Education uses a methodology to calculate institutions’ overall scores.

      NTU was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students. NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience.

      The university has been rated Gold in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest ranking available.

      It is one of the largest UK universities. With nearly 32,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University contributes £900m to the UK economy every year. With an international student population of more than 3,000 from around 100 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook

      The university is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. NTU is among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was awarded University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2019. A total of 82% of its graduates go on to graduate entry employment or graduate entry education or training within six months of leaving. Student satisfaction is high: NTU achieved an 87% satisfaction score in the 2019 National Student Survey.

      A total of 82% of its graduates go on to graduate entry employment or graduate entry education or training within six months of leaving. Student satisfaction is high: NTU achieved an 87% satisfaction score in the 2019 National Student Survey.

    Published on 22 April 2020
    • Category: Environment and sustainability; Press office