The university has received a high ranking in a global table which scores institutions on their success in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nottingham Trent University has 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.
This outcome 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.
Following its work towards accomplishing this goal, 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.
Another success was from last year, when 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.
Steve Denton, Chief Operating Officer and Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Achieving such a strong placing at first attempt reflects the strategic importance we place on sustainability.
“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.”
By Olimpia Zagnat
Feature photo credit: Nottingham Trent University