Wellington’s commitment to sustainability recognised in global University Impact Rankings

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has been ranked number 12 globally for ‘Climate Action’ in the international Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2022.

The ranking—12 out of 674 institutions—is based on research carried out at Te Herenga Waka, our low-carbon energy use, environmental educational measures and our commitment to being carbon neutral by 2030. The University has made a significant leap in the area of Climate Action, improving 28 places on the 2021 result.

Other strong performances are in ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’, in which the University is ranked 24 (out of 809 institutions), and being 35equal in ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’ (out of 705 institutions).

Overall, Victoria University of Wellington is 85 equal out of more than 1400 institutions ranked by THE and is among the top 100 institutions in nine of the areas assessed.

The rankings measure how universities worldwide are performing against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs came into force in 2016 and set a 15-year agenda for all countries to end poverty, fight inequalities and build peaceful, just, and sustainable societies.

The strong performance by the University reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and to making a positive social impact through its research, teaching, operations, engagement and partnerships.

The nine SDGs in which the University’s performance is ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world are:

  • Zero Hunger (ranked 61)
  • Gender Equality (ranked =70)
  • Affordable and Clean Energy (ranked =35)
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities (ranked=56)
  • Climate Action (ranked 12)
  • Life Below Water (ranked 63)
  • Life on Land (ranked 72)
  • Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (ranked 24)
  • Partnership for the Goals (ranked -84)