Aston University achieves its highest position in Sustainability World University Rankings
Aston University has achieved its highest-ever position in the QS Sustainability World University Rankings, climbing 76 places to rank 281st globally in the 2026 edition.
The leap marks Aston’s first appearance inside the world’s top 300, after climbing 359 places in three years from the 601–700 bracket in 2023.
It reflects sustained progress on sustainability goals and comes amid tougher competition, with 2,002 institutions participating this year, 258 more than in 2025.
This latest success follows on from Aston’s recognition in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, where the university was first in the partnerships category, demonstrating its strong performance against several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Aston also continues to maintain its ISO 14001 certification – the international standard for effective environmental management systems – and ISO 50001 – recognising effective energy management across the institution.
Instrumental in this performance has been the launch of Aston’s sustainability strategy – which is aligned with the university’s ambitious 2030 Strategy and the 17 United Nations goals, a diverse range of sustainability initiatives and the dedication of staff, students and partners. Combined, this is enabling the university to deliver meaningful impact through education research, and engagement with communities both locally and worldwide.
Aston’s Carbon Neutral Energy Centre – announced earlier this year – is accelerating the university’s net zero target for scope 1 and 2 emissions. Backed by a £35.5 million grant from the UK Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (delivered by Salix), the major investment will enable the university to achieve the target by 2028, two years earlier than planned.
Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, said: “Reaching the global top 300 for sustainability is a clear marker of Aston’s strong progress against our 2030 strategy. We set out to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by real-world impact and I am proud of our momentum.
“Aston’s 76-place rise, despite a larger field, shows that our extensive work is making a difference through decarbonising our campus, embedding practical sustainability in education, accelerating research‑led innovation, and strengthening partnerships locally and globally.”
Aston University remains focused on advancing its sustainability credentials and contributing solutions to complex global challenges through research and education.
