University of Bath placed 56th globally in QS Sustainability Rankings 2026
image: The University of Bath (UK) is ranked 56th in the world for sustainability in higher education.
Credit: University of Bath
The University of Bath has been named 56th in the 2026 QS Global Sustainability Rankings, climbing 71 places since last year. The University is now ranked 19th in the UK and 32nd in Europe, reflecting Bath’s growing reputation and influence as a global leader in sustainability.
This year, the rankings included 2,002 institutions worldwide, evaluating them across a broad spectrum of environmental and social impacts, including environmental sustainability, equality, employability, and sustainability research.
Bath ranked in the top 100 globally across all three main categories, ranking 3rd place for Governance, 30th for Social Impact and 100th for Environmental Impact.
Importantly, Bath achieved its strongest improvement in Environmental Education, recognising the University’s expanding academic leadership, the impact of its graduates worldwide, and a bold institutional commitment to embed sustainability across courses. New programmes in areas such as sustainability management, decarbonisation, and responsible technologies are helping meet national skills priorities set out in the UK’s skills and industrial strategies.
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, said: “We’re delighted to be ranked 56th in the world in the QS Sustainability Rankings this year.
“This reflects the University’s growing leadership in tackling global challenges, putting sustainability at the heart of our research and education, delivering innovative campus initiatives, and empowering our students to drive change.
“We are ambitious for the future and want to play our part, working in partnership, to create a more sustainable and healthier world.”
Global leader for sustainability in higher education
The University of Bath is delivering meaningful impact through sustainability by aligning its strengths in research, education and operations to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges.
Sustainability is one of the core ways in which the University contributes value to the world, developing the skills, knowledge and innovation needed to support a sustainable, fairer and more resilient future.
Through world-leading research, Bath academics are shaping solutions in areas such as clean energy, climate action, sustainable business, responsible technologies and environmental policy. Their work informs industry, influences government policy, supports community organisations, and helps industries transition to more sustainable and socially responsible models.
The University’s rapid progress in Environmental Education reflects a wider transformation in how Bath prepares students for the future. Sustainability is being integrated into courses, supported by new programmes and applied learning opportunities, made possible by Bath’s reputation for strong connections with industry.
Operationally, the University is taking decisive steps to reduce its environmental footprint. New policies and commitments launched over the past year are accelerating action and demonstrating Bath’s determination to model the behaviours and standards expected of a forward-looking, sustainability-driven institution.
Richard Jackson, the University’s Director of Sustainability and Space Management, said: “A key to our growing impact is our whole-institution approach. Sustainability at Bath is not limited to environmental performance; it encompasses social justice, inclusion, community engagement, governance and long-term economic resilience.
“By working across research, operations, teaching and partnerships, we are able to drive positive change throughout the University and beyond.
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our students, staff, alumni and partners, and shows how our values are contributing to wider societal progress.”