Macquarie University Ascends in Global Rankings for Sustainability and Social Impact

The University also maintained its national ranking of 10th. The 2024 edition included 1403 institutions, an increase of 703 on the ranking’s debut last year, making the University’s improved standing even more significant.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor S Bruce Dowton, says the ranking is another positive step on the University’s sustainability journey.

“Macquarie University is committed to the continuous improvement of sustainability across its operations, research, curriculum and environment, and it is pleasing to see these efforts acknowledged through these rankings and others,” he said.

“We will continue to aim high, in accordance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals, to ensure we are actively supporting sustainability – in all its forms – on campus, as well as within our local and global community.”

QS, or Quacquarelli Symonds, has been producing university rankings for 20 years. This is the second edition of its Sustainability Ranking.

Universities were evaluated across three categories: environmental impact, social impact and a newly added governance category.

Macquarie University performed particularly well on social impact, ranking equal 32nd internationally. Social impact comprises employability and outcomes; equality; health and wellbeing; impact of education; and knowledge exchange.

Earlier this year, Macquarie University was named 39th globally in the Times High Education (THE) Impact Rankings, a rise of 40 places.

The University also announced its pioneering Sustainability Linked Loan (SLL) in July of this year. The loan incentivises the University’s sustainability performance against six social and environmental Key Performance Indicators, with savings directed into equity and inclusion scholarships for students.