UB Ranked No. 1 in Climate Action

The University at Buffalo is leading higher education in a key United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal.

Zoom image: solar panels on UB North Campus solar panels on UB North Campus.

The University at Buffalo leads institutions of higher education around the world when it comes to climate action, one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rating, conferred by the 2021 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, reflects UB’s performance in climate action research, low-carbon energy use, environmental education measures and commitment to carbon neutrality.

In addition to ranking first in SDG 13, UB ranked No. 2 out of 560 institutions globally and No. 1 in the U.S. in SDG 7, which reflects institutional commitment to affordable, clean energy. In the overall ranking, UB placed 70th in the world and fifth in the U.S. This marks a significant increase from last year’s rankings, which placed UB in the 101-200 overall position among 766 institutions (specific rankings aren’t given above 100). Even more impressive: This year saw a record number of schools participating in the rankings.

Working hard to meet an ambitious goal

UB excelled in climate action and other areas thanks to efforts encapsulated in its 10 in 10 initiative. Announced on Earth Day 2020, 10 in 10 reflects 10 areas related to sustainability—such as clean energy and energy efficiency, food and plastic waste, and local development—in which the university is taking steps with the overall goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. In the past year alone, the initiative has driven the , the , plans to introduce compostable materials as an alternative to single-use plastics, a , and more.

“Like countries across the globe, our campus has embraced the Sustainable Development Goals and the framework they provide for advancing solutions to our global challenges,” says A. Scott Weber, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Strides toward sustainability

This is the third year for THE’s Impact Rankings, which included a record 1,115 institutions from 94 countries. The Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess data provided by universities against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, offering comprehensive and balanced comparisons across research, outreach and environmental stewardship.

Other SDGs in which UB performed well:

  • SDG 1 - No poverty: 83rd out of 591 institutions globally.
  • SDG 2 - Zero hunger: 61st (442).
  • SDG 3 - Good health and well-being: 53rd (871).
  • SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure: 55th (680).
  • SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities: 101-200 (669).
  • SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities: 77th (656).