The Australian National University has been named the 16th most sustainable university in the world, rising 32 places in the latest QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026.
ANU is now third in Australia out of 38 institutions assessed; climbing four places, its overall score increased by 5.1 points to 97.2 out of 100.
The university was singled out as a national leader in environmental sustainability and knowledge exchange, ranking second in the country in both categories.
The QS sustainability rankings measure an institution’s environmental impact, social impact, and governance.
QS placed ANU:
- 6th globally for social impact
- 19th globally for impact of education.
- 28th globally for environmental sustainability (up 30 places)
- 30th globally for environmental impact (up 55 places)
- 8th in Australia and 56th globally for governance
Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Rebekah Brown said: “Our performance in the latest QS sustainability rankings reflects our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and being a sector-leader in sustainability. We do [this] through our world-class research and teaching, university-wide action and fostering innovative solutions.”
The 2026 edition of the QS sustainability rankings system features 2,002 institutions across 108 countries and territories. Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom are the leaders across all categories measured.
ANU has more than 600 researchers working on climate and energy issues, and 28 per cent of its courses include content related to environmental sustainability.
“As the national university, ANU remains committed to tackling major environmental challenges, including emissions reduction, waste management and improving energy efficiency across our many buildings and facilities on our campuses,” Professor Brown said.
The university will strengthen its climate targets when it releases its new Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) 2026—2030.
ANU remained fourth in Australia in the overall QS World University Rankings 2026, released in June.
