University barely passes sustainability ranking

The People and Planet University annual league table has placed the University of Glasgow 121st in the country.

The University of Glasgow has received a ‘3rd’ in sustainability, according to the People and Planet’s 2025 league table. This is the second lowest possible passing classification, unvarying from its ranking last year, and falling significantly from its place at 75th in 2023.

The league table ranks all UK universities on a number of factors including ethical investment, energy sources, and water reduction. The People and Planet’s University League claims to be the “only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance.” 

The University scored particularly feebly on sustainable food and ethical careers, gaining only 10 percent a piece. In waste and recycling, and carbon reduction, the University did not score at all. 

Although, the University excelled in water reduction, receiving an impressive 67 percent, as well as carbon management and ethical investment, receiving 63 percent in both categories. 

A failed mission?

In 2019, the University of Glasgow declared a Climate Emergency, and committed to becoming Net-Zero by 2035 stating the need to “engage the University community more effectively in this developing agenda.” In 2021, the University launched a new plan to cut carbon emissions from business travel. Although, last semester, the University Court voted for a new ‘Sustainable and Responsible Investment Policy’ which didn’t include divesting from arms companies such as BAE Systems and Thales.

The University was only six places away from failing entirely. This is significantly lower than Glasgow Caledonian University which placed 35th, and the University of Strathclyde, who ranked 103rd. Glasgow School of Art failed, placing 134th. 

The full league table can be viewed here.

Published 26 January 2025