Leeds has achieved its highest ever position in the QS Sustainability Rankings.
In the 2026 rankings, published today, the University of Leeds is 24th out of 2,002 universities worldwide and joint ninth in the UK, placing Leeds within the global top two per cent, with an overall score of 95.8 out of 100. The University is joint first in the UK for Health and Wellbeing (99.4), reflecting a community that helps students and staff to thrive.
The overall result recognises sustained delivery across environmental and social measures, as well as governance, and also reflects stronger evidence of Leeds’ activity.
Professor Hai Sui Yu, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: "This result recognises the progress our community has made and reflects the effective way colleagues translate research and education into benefits for society and the environment, as well as the care with which we now evidence that work.
"I am proud of what we continue to achieve together and grateful for the dedication that strengthens our impact locally and globally."
What does QS measure?
Similar to the University’s institutional approach to environmental and social responsibility, the QS Sustainability Rankings assess environmental impact, social impact and governance, and seek evidence of delivery across education, research, operations and partnerships. Indicators and weights are updated each cycle, with emphasis on demonstrable action and impact.
Leeds results at a glance
Overall: 24th globally, an increase of 196 places from the 2025 rankings, score 95.8.
How this progress is recognised
The University’s performance reflects consistent delivery and better alignment of evidence with QS indicators this cycle. The Sustainability Service has worked with academic and professional service colleagues across the University to strengthen data quality and evidence, so that long-standing programmes are now represented more fully.
How we deliver impact
Innovation is embedded through the Leeds Living Lab, where students, researchers, operations colleagues and partners co-create and test solutions on campus and in the city. Current work includes a Geothermal Campus Living Lab assessing how heat beneath campus could contribute to future energy needs. Leeds is a civic university which connects knowledge with local priorities through PIPs, linking third sector and civic community organisations with the researchers and students to build practical, long-term collaborations.
On biodiversity the University is developing exemplary approaches for a city campus, engaging colleagues and students and aligning activity with biodiversity net gain requirements. Leeds’ role in city wide climate action includes helping to establish the Leeds Climate Commission, which relaunched in 2024 with a renewed programme to accelerate a just transition, nature recovery and emissions reduction.
Blueprint, the University’s flagship staff engagement programme, supports schools and services to create bespoke five-year sustainability plans. Recent activity includes a slow travel policy in the Business School, circular approaches in Residential Services, and energy savings in research facilities. Earlier this year the University won the International Sustainable Campus Network Excellence Award in the Cultural Change for Sustainability category, recognising community-led progress.
The Leeds University Network for Sustainability in Higher Education is helping colleagues and students embed Education for Sustainable Development across disciplines through hybrid meet-ups, workshops and an online community. Since 2023 the network has grown to more than 180 members, with contributions from 44 staff, 23 students and external speakers. Topics range from sustainability skills and social justice to biodiversity and the role of GenAI in curriculum mapping. The network was also recognised in the SDG Accord Annual Progress Report as a sector example of inclusive, cross-disciplinary practice.
