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The University of Manchester has today (June 18) been ranked in first place in the UK and Europe and second in the world for benefitting society and the environment by for the third year running. 

The University鈥檚 unique commitment to addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is world leading. Manchester is the only university in the world to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact in all seven years of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. 

The 17 SDGs are the world鈥檚 call to action on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing humanity and the natural world, and The University of Manchester鈥檚 consistent top ranking is recognition of its leading role in tackling them. 

In this year鈥檚 assessment, more universities than ever were ranked with 2,318 institutions from 130 countries being ranked against how they are addressing the most pressing challenges facing our planet.  

The ranking, is the world鈥檚 only one that measures universities鈥� contributions to the UN SDGs and assesses their commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. 

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, who leads the institution鈥檚 entry to the ranking, said: 鈥淓ach year, we submit a wealth of evidence demonstrating how we embed social responsibility across all areas of our work鈥攆rom sustainability and cultural engagement to research impact, widening participation and the student experience. This continued recognition highlights the dedication of our entire University community to making a positive difference locally and globally.鈥� 

The University of Manchester came top in the world for SDG11 鈥� Sustainable Cities and Communities. Significantly contributing to this is the investment made in four public-facing cultural institutions. Manchester Museum has recently been recognised as one of Europe鈥檚 leading museums after winning .  

The annual prize is one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world and Manchester Museum is the first university museum to receive it, earning recognition for the way it balances globally-significant academic research with community engagement and social responsibility.  

The University has also directly addressed the energy impact of its campus in a landmark deal to see up to 65% of its electricity demand supplied via a new renewable project. In support of SDG7 鈥� Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG12 鈥� Responsible Consumption and Production, the University is building a 104,000 solar panel farm to generate green energy and also create a significant biodiversity enhancement to previously low-grade farmland. 

The University was ranked second in the world for SDG15 鈥� Life on Land. Particularly key contributions towards this goal have come from for his climate research on restoring grasslands in the UN鈥檚 Decade on Ecosystem Restoration initiative. Alongside this is leading research on socially driven reforestation policies to better protect our environment. 

President and Vice Chancellor, The University of Manchester, Professor Duncan Ivison said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a tremendous achievement for our University community to once again be recognised as the UK and Europe鈥檚 top-ranked university - and second in the world - in this year鈥檚 THE Impact Rankings. This reflects not only the depth of our commitment to social responsibility but also the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners who bring that commitment to life every day. 

"As we prepare to launch our new strategy, Manchester 2035, this recognition is a powerful reminder of the role we can play, both here in Manchester and around the world, in leading on addressing the major challenges of our time: advancing sustainability, tackling inequality, and supporting inclusive growth.鈥�