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Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings

We’re one of the world’s leading universities for addressing the most pressing environmental, social and governance challenges society faces today.
33rd
in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026
4 years in a row
consecutive improvement
7th in the world
for SDG15: Life on Land
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World top 40 for sustainability

The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings assess universities on delivery of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are among the most prestigious global university rankings.

In the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, we’re ranked 33rd globally – our highest ever position. We ranked seventh in the world for SDG15: Life on Land; joint 11th for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 23rd for SDG13: Climate Action and 34th for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

In addition, we were placed 35th for both SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 14: Life Below Water.

We’re always developing new ways of thinking to shape a better future for our planet. Our research strengths in energy span all four of our faculties and sustainability is embedded across our teaching and learning.

We’re making real progress in reducing our own carbon footprint and have ambitious targets to achieve Net Zero carbon by 2035 as well as Biodiversity Net Gain by 2032.

Our overall ranking of 33rd globally reflects the many ways sustainability is embedded across the University, and follows our recognition in the top 25 of the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability.

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85th in the QS World University Rankings 2027
Joint 24th for Sustainability in the QS World University Rankings 2027
Top 5 in UK University Rankings
Top 100 in the world for 12 of the 17 SDGs

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From sustainability consultancy in South Africa to groundbreaking climate research at Durham

Find out how Kalila's move from a career with the Southern African Financial Services Group to a PhD in Economics and Climate Research has shaped her outlook on climate research, policy, and the value of engaging with students as a teaching assistant.

Read Lucy's blog

Explore Durham

Find out more

We are committed to taking action on the major Environment, Social and Governance challenges facing the world today, pursuing research to shape a better future and helping our students become tomorrow's world-changers. Find out more about how we're contributing to environmental, social and economic sustainability below.

  • Discover our Botanic Garden

    Set amongst beautiful mature woodlands, the Botanic Garden is a central part of our conservation and biodiversity initiatives, as well as providing a wide variety of landscapes for visitors to explore.
    A woman with short hair and a dark green sweatshirt looks to somebody off camera as she prunes a green trailing plant. She is surrounded by green plants inside a large greenhouse.

  • Join our Greenspace Movement

    The Greenspace Movement brings together our environmental initiatives and activities in one place - find out how you can get involved.
    A group of people dressed casually, walk outside as part of a guided nature walk around the estate.

Discover our Botanic Garden

Set amongst beautiful mature woodlands, the Botanic Garden is a central part of our conservation and biodiversity initiatives, as well as providing a wide variety of landscapes for visitors to explore.
A woman with short hair and a dark green sweatshirt looks to somebody off camera as she prunes a green trailing plant. She is surrounded by green plants inside a large greenhouse.

Join our Greenspace Movement

The Greenspace Movement brings together our environmental initiatives and activities in one place - find out how you can get involved.
A group of people dressed casually, walk outside as part of a guided nature walk around the estate.
Explore our Biodiversity Strategy
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At the forefront of international energy and climate research - Professor Simone Abram

Our researchers are leading on international energy and climate research – from monitoring vulnerable ice sheets to shaping future energy policy. 

Professor Simone Abram, Executive Director of Durham Energy Institute (DEI) and the Ørsted Chair in Green Energy Systems, talks about the work of the DEI which connects researchers, communities, industry, and policymakers to accelerate clean, fair, and inclusive energy transitions.

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Latest News

Find out more about how we're leading on revolutionary research, offering inspiration and reaching new heights.

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