The University's improvement in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings is a direct result of initiatives taking place on campus
Date: 16 July 2026
London Metropolitan University has climbed into the top quarter of universities worldwide for sustainability.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings track universities’ progress across the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
London Met placed in the top 25 per cent of 1,646 institutions worldwide, with the University climbing into the 301-400 band of the 2026 edition.
This was a marked improvement from a position of 401-600 the year before.
Of the 17 SDGs, the University achieved particularly strong results in SDG 4, which measures Quality Education, as it finished fifth in the UK.
The University also finished in the top 15 per cent globally for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
And it achieved a position of 42nd overall for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Sustainability initiatives
The eighth annual THE Impact ranking compares institutions across 116 countries and territories around the world.
London Met’s success this year is a direct result of some tangible initiatives taking place on campus.
As part of its sustainability target to achieve carbon net zero, the University achieved a year-on-year reduction in carbon of 17 per cent between 2023-24 and 2024-25.
The solar panels on the roof of the Learning Centre continues to provide solar powered energy and supports progress towards SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
And for the second successive year, London Met’s Holloway campus proudly hosted The Felix Project which redistributes rescued high-quality surplus fruit and vegetables that cannot be sold and would otherwise go to waste.
Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor of London Met, said: “Universities play a vital role in the global ambition to make progress on the UN SDG goals by the end of the decade. We educate future leaders, produce cutting-edge research, and act as leaders by applying sustainability across campus.
“These results demonstrate London Met’s steadfast commitment to playing our part in this important global initiative. They show clear improvement in our efforts and reflect our institution's strengths in community inclusivity and accessible education, engagement, and social impact on the global stage.”
Looking ahead to next year, the University will continue to monitor progress toward all 17 SDGs while submitting evidence for its strongest 12.
In addition, it will focus on further improving the quality of data for the 2027 submission.
Established by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of global objectives designed to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.