THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026: Reading in top 100

The University of Reading has been placed in the world's top 100 universities for its contribution to sustainable global development for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, published today [24 June].

Reading is recognised as one of the world’s top universities, placing at 91 globally and within the top 6% of institutions worldwide. It is rated 14th highest among UK universities.

The ratings (formerly known as the THE Impact Rankings) assess universities on their contributions to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address global challenges including hunger, inequality and environmental threats.

Reading's position was supported by strong performances across a range of individual goals, including:

• 27 from 758 institutions in SDG 12 – Responsible production and consumption. This position reflected the University's sustainability reporting practices, waste tracking and recycling operations, and policies to minimise single-use plastics and extend responsible sourcing across its supply chain.

• Joint 55 from 932 institutions in SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities. Evidence included Reading's disability support services, support for students from developing countries, non-discriminatory admissions policies and active measures against discrimination across campus.

• 60 from 731 institutions in SDG 2 – Zero hunger. The result reflected the University's work on student food security, campus food waste reduction and access to sustainable and affordable food on campus.
  
  
• Joint 69 out of 826 institutions in SDG 13 – Climate Action. This highlights Reading’s work to reduce energy use on campus, along with other significant environmental activities, with a strong research base for meteorology and climate change.
  
  
• Joint 72 from 658 institutions in SDG 15 – Life on land. The position reflected the University's biodiversity education programmes, sustainable land management policies and work to conserve and restore ecosystems on and beyond campus.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "Maintaining the University of Reading’s position in the world's top 100 in these ratings for the fourth year running is a reflection of how deeply sustainability is part of the life of this university. It is embedded in our research, our teaching, our campus operations and our partnerships with communities and organisations around the world.”

Reading has participated in all 17 SDG categories since first entering the ratings in 2020, demonstrating a commitment to engaging with the full range of the United Nations' global goals.

University of Reading's full results:

• 101–200 from 931 in SDG 1 – No poverty

• 60 from 731 in SDG 2 – Zero hunger

• 201–300 from 1,254 in SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing

• 601–800 from 1,335 in SDG 4 – Quality education

• 201–300 from 1,095 in SDG 5 – Gender equality

• 101–200 from 797 in SDG 6 – Clean water and sanitation

• 201–300 from 892 in SDG 7 – Affordable and clean energy

• 101–200 from 1,003 in SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth

• 401–600 from 826 in SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure

• =55 from 932 in SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities

• 101–200 from 865 in SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities

• 27 from 758 in SDG 12 – Responsible production and consumption

• =69 from 826 in SDG 13 – Climate action

• 101–200 from 561 in SDG 14 – Life below water

• =72 from 658 in SDG 15 – Life on land

• 101–200 from 914 in SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions

• 75 from 1,610 in SDG 17 – Partnership for the goals