In the latest University Impact Ranking released by Times Higher Education, Canada is emerging as a global leader in university sustainability efforts, outpacing the United States in North America. The ranking evaluated 2,526 universities across 130 countries based on their performance in advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including areas such as clean energy, poverty eradication, and innovation.
Canada boasts seven universities in the global top 50, second only to Australia. Among Canadian institutions, Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, ranks number one worldwide for the goal of Zero Hunger, while the University of Alberta receives international recognition for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
Remarkably, nine of the top ten North American universities on sustainability are Canadian, with only one U.S. institution — Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona — making the list. Arizona State shares sixth place with Queen’s University and is noted for achievements in Zero Hunger, Life on Land, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Here are the top North American universities by overall sustainability impact:
- Queen’s University (Kingston, ON) — Overall ranking: 6
- Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ) — Overall ranking: 6
- University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB) — Overall ranking: 8
- McMaster University (Hamilton, ON) — Overall ranking: 14
- University of Victoria (Victoria, BC) — Overall ranking: 14
- Western University (London, ON) — Overall ranking: 14
- Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, BC) — Overall ranking: 35
- York University (Toronto, ON) — Overall ranking: 38
- Université Laval (Quebec City, QC) — Overall ranking: 52
- Université de Montréal (Montreal, QC) — Overall ranking: 55
Canada’s strong performance underscores its universities’ dedication to sustainability in teaching, research, and community engagement — setting a standard for the continent.
