Global leader in sustainability: Monash climbs in global rankings

By India Education Diary Bureau Admin On Apr 23, 2020

Monash University has been recognised for its significant work in sustainability and social inclusion, ranking equal 17th globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2020.

The ranking is a significant improvement on 2019, up 28 places from 45th in 2019.

Now in its second edition, these THE Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rankings compare universities against three broad areas: research, outreach and stewardship.

Monash continues to advance its reputation in social and environmental sustainability, ranking in the top 10 worldwide for Affordable and Clean Energy and Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Our top-ranked individual SDGs are:

7th for Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
8th for Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
13th for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
=13th for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
=24th for Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3)
=24th for Gender Equality (SDG 5)
26th for Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC said the results were recognition of Monash’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through projects such as the Net Zero Initiative and Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), the University’s international partnerships and its vast multi-disciplinary research programs.

“Through our extensive local and international partnerships, global network of campuses, sustainable investment decisions and world-leading research, innovation and education, we are uniquely positioned to promote, develop and influence a sustainable future,” Professor Gardner said.

“This capacity to work and influence beyond our borders, and to make real impact on some of the world’s most imperative issues, is critical to becoming a global leader in sustainability. These THE Impact Rankings are recognition of the impact of that work in supporting our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

“I am incredibly proud of this achievement, and look forward to Monash continuing to inspire and empower our community to contribute positively to a sustainable future.”

Professor Marc Parlange, Monash University Provost and Senior Vice-President, said: “Through our multi-dimensional approach to sustainability, we continue to leverage our ground-breaking research, world-class teaching and our extensive operational capabilities to deliver lasting change.”

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are aimed at bringing global economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. They include goals for health, education, gender equality, jobs, climate change, the environment and justice and apply to all countries, including Australia, guiding global development to 2030.

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is a global network of universities and knowledge institutions launched by the UN Secretary-General to mobilise global scientific and technological expertise in support of sustainable development and the SDGs.

There was a significant increase in the number of institutions who participated in the THE Impact Rankings 2020, with 766 universities being ranked in the overall ranking compared with 476 in 2019.

For more information about the THE rankings, please visit: www.timeshighereducation.com.