Monash University has soared 89 places to 23rd globally in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024, consolidating the University’s position within the world’s top-50 universities as an active leader and contributor to solving the sustainability challenges facing our world.
Across the three ranking categories, Monash placed 13th for Social Impact, equal 15th for Governance and equal 43rd for Environmental Impact. A total of 1403 universities participated in the rankings, an increase of 700 from last year.
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Elliott AM said the University’s outstanding result is reflective of the success of its many programs and initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future for communities, both locally and internationally.
“Our excellence in research, education and engagement with partners and community positions Monash to effectively address global sustainability, environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns,” said Professor Elliott.
“Since Monash launched its first ESG Statement in 2016, the University has continued to implement programs which exceed our ESG commitments and promote sustainable practice. Our Net Zero commitment to implement carbon neutrality across our Australian campuses, the roll-out of electric vehicle charging bays, and connecting students with sustainable practitioners abroad through our Global Immersion Guarantee are three of many notable initiatives.
“With 700 additional universities participating in the 2024 edition of the QS Sustainability Rankings, Monash’s significant improvement highlights our capability to create meaningful change within our communities thanks to the hard work and dedication of the many members of our University.”
The QS Sustainability Rankings highlight the different ways in which universities are taking action to tackle the world’s greatest sustainability issues. Alongside progress in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, universities are also evaluated on impact of research, education, community engagement and organisational governance. A delegation of Monash staff and students are sharing their expertise and learnings in these fields at the 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai this week, until Tuesday 12 December.
Monash improved 89 places in this second edition of the QS Sustainability Rankings, following consultation between QS and Monash to ensure a more accurate result.
Initiatives contributing to Monash’s sustainability credentials include:
- Our cross-border interdisciplinary research programs, including Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) and the Citarum River Project
- Establishing the Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT) Research Centre with Fiji National University
- Becoming the first university in the world to raise funds for sustainability projects by issuing a climate bond
- The Net Zero 2030 commitment to be carbon neutral across our Australian campuses
- The Global Immersion Guarantee, bringing students together with sustainability practitioners in India, Malaysia, Samoa, Fiji, Indonesia and Italy
