USask ranks among the world’s best universities for sustainability and social impact

For the second year in a row, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) ranked in the top 100 overall and even higher in select categories in The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings of universities around the world for their social and economic impact, and for taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.

USask ranked 13th in Canada for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, according to THE. The Impact Rankings, which started in 2019, measure how an institution’s research, outreach and stewardship delivers against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – which aims to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people.

"These rankings are an acknowledgement of the world-class research happening here at USask; where students, campus operations, and community connections are working together to build healthier and more sustainable communities," said USask President Peter Stoicheff. "Sustainability is a priority at our university and we are determined to make a difference in our city, province, country and around the world."

A university's final score in the Impact Rankings is a measure of how well they address the world's most pressing issues in these areas. The top performance areas for USask include SDG Goal 2 Zero Hunger (34) (9th in Canada), and SDG Goal 3 Good Health and Well-Being (23) (5th in Canada), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. 

USask also ranked in the top 100 in the following categories:

  • Partnership for the Goals (61) measures universities’ global partnerships for sustainable development;
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities (67) measures universities’ research on sustainability, their role as custodians of arts and heritage and their internal approaches to sustainability; and
  • Clean Water and Sanitation (81) measures universities’ research related to water, their water usage, and their commitment to ensuring good water management in the wider community.

The 2021 Impact Rankings is the third edition, and the overall ranking this year included 1,115 universities from 94 countries and regions.

More comprehensive results are available on the THE website.