The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings measure the work of universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and BU has risen to joint 29th place out of 1,591 universities measured internationally, up from 42nd last year. We are also 5th in the UK.
Each university receives a score against the UN SDGs to create an overall score, with BU scoring highly in:
- SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth – BU scored 3rd internationally (up from 4th last year) and came 1st in the UK out of 960 participating institutions, recognising our employment practice, student work placements and staff secure contract rate
- SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production – BU scored 6th internationally, and 4th in the UK, out of 674 participating institutions. This recognises our high recycling rates on campus, our academic research and waste data reporting
- SDG13 Climate Action – BU scored 21st internationally, and 6th in the UK, out of 735 participating institutions due to our use of low carbon energy on campus, our net zero commitments, and our environmental education measures
- SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation – BU scored 30th internationally, and 2nd in the UK, out of 720 participating institutions due to our monitoring of water consumption, our rainwater harvesting systems and our work with the community to educate about reducing water consumption.
Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “We are proud of our positive climate impact through our research, education, and professional practice, and we work hard to mitigate our negative impact. The UN Sustainable Development Goals are embedded across all areas of our activities, and we continue to develop our approach each year. I am pleased to see the efforts of our staff and students recognised and for this to have been reflected in our THE Impact Rankings score. I would like to share my thanks to all those in the BU community and our partners who have been working towards these goals, and to acknowledge we have more to do as we continue in our efforts.”
Lois Betts, Sustainability Manager at BU, said: “This is the first year we have published a report showing how everyone in the BU community works together to address the UN SDGs. This shows how our education, research and operations contribute to achieving each of the 17 UN SDGs. I hope this report helps everyone to see how important their work is to make a big impact on sustainable development. It’s fantastic to be part of the university sector where our efforts really do make a difference both locally and internationally.”
Our research, education and practice in sustainability and climate action extends to all faculties and departments, including the sustainability of our campuses, and the work to embed sustainability in the curriculum. Our research helping people prepare for and recover from crisis also supported the rise in this year’s rankings.
If you would like to find out more about the THE Impact Rankings 2023, visit their website.
