The University is now the joint 74th most sustainable university in the world and joint 10th in the UK according to the annual Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings.
This means Bangor University is in the top 5% of the most sustainable universities in the world.
The Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings is the only global performance table that assesses universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using detailed evidence to assess institutions across four areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.
For the first time, Bangor University submitted data for all 17 of the UN’s SDGs – thanks to the work of staff across the institution.
A clear highlight was the University ranked 12th in the world for its work on SDG 15 – “Life on Land”.
Professor Oliver Turnbull, Vice Provost, who leads on sustainability said, “To remain in the top 100 universities in the world for sustainability for a fifth consecutive year is a significant achievement.
“Sustainability is embedded throughout Bangor University and submitting evidence across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals for the first time demonstrates both the breadth of activity taking place across the University and the commitment of colleagues who are helping to deliver positive environmental and social impact every day.”
Professor Christian Dunn, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability added, "Yet again Bangor University is punching above its weight. It's easy to think sustainability rankings are all about switching off lights and recycling bins, but they're actually about something much bigger.
“They're about whether a university is making a positive difference to society. To be ranked in the top five per cent globally, and 12th in the world for Life on Land, shows that Bangor is making a real contribution to some of the biggest environmental challenges we face.”
The 2026 results, which saw a total of 1,603 institutions ranked, showed notable gains in several individual SDGs, with Bangor ranked:
- 12th in the world (out of 658), a rise from joint 71st (of 854) for SDG15: Life on Land, and an increase of 14 points on last year
- 41st (of 758) for SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Dropped from 12th last year, dropping 6.1 points, but still in the Top 3 of the university’s scored SDGs
- 52nd (of 914) for SDG16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, a rise of 12.2 points on last year
- 57th (of 826) for SDG13: Climate Action, a rise of 8 points on last year
- Joint 72nd (of 931) for SDG1: No Poverty, a rise of 8.1 points on last year
For more on Bangor University’s sustainability initiatives and performance in the THE Impact Ratings, visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/sustainability