Vilnius University Achieves Recognition in the World University Sustainability Rankings
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 is the second edition of the rankings in this particular field. Out of a total of 1,403 higher education institutions that participated in the QS Sustainability Rankings this year, Vilnius University (VU) moved up to the 474th position (from 601st last year) and stands first among all Lithuanian universities that were included.
Launched in 2022, the QS Sustainability Rankings had two categories: Environmental Impact and Social Impact. This year, a third one – Governance – was introduced.
There are five performance lenses representing different aspects of universities’ Social Impact: employability and opportunities, equality, health and wellbeing, the impact of education, and knowledge exchange. The category of Environmental Impact recognises the efforts universities are making in terms of environmental education, environmental sustainability, and environmental research. Meanwhile, the Governance category covers the following aspects: open decision-making, holistic ethical organisational culture, student representation in governance, and transparent financial reporting. In the latter category, VU achieved 481st place.
The Environmental Impact indicator assesses institutions’ strategies, research, and educational activities towards an environmentally sustainable future. It uses data from the QS Rankings, the universities being ranked, the Dutch company ‘Elsevier’, as well as such global organisations as UNESCO and the World Bank. In the Environmental Impact category, VU scored best in terms of environmental sustainability (ranking 254th).
The Social Impact of higher education institutions is assessed in light of their efforts to ensure social progress and quality education. VU was ranked 492nd in the Social Impact category, while it scored highest in terms of the impact of education (385th place). This indicator, along with the Environmental Impact and Governance, uses data from the QS Rankings, the institutions themselves, ‘Elsevier’, and such organisations as UNESCO and the World Bank.
To qualify for the Sustainability Rankings, higher education institutions must meet the following criteria: climate change commitment, evidence of a research culture aligned with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and eligibility for the QS Rankings.
The QS Sustainability Rankings provide an opportunity to assess which institutions are actually demonstrating a commitment to a more sustainable existence, which must also be supported by external evidence: from the impact that alumni are making in science and technology to solve climate issues, to the impact of research being conducted across the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Rankings evaluate the social, environmental, and governance impact of universities as centres of education and research, as well as the social impact of higher education institutions as major employers addressing sustainability challenges.