University of Galway is the number one university in Ireland for sustainable development for the fourth year in a row.
The ranking has been announced in the Times Higher Education Impact report in recognition of the University’s progress in responding to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As well as being top of the class in Ireland, the ranking places the University of Galway at No. 3 in the EU.
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 ranked 2,526 universities from 130 countries on their progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The number of universities taking part in the rankings is up 65% on the previous year, making the University of Galway’s achievement all the more significant.
Interim President of University of Galway, Professor Peter McHugh, said, “Ranking University of Galway number 1 in Ireland and top 3 in the EU is a magnificent reward for our staff and our leadership on sustainability measures.”
“Our recently launched new ‘Strategic Plan 2025–2030, Of Galway, For the World’ is not only a symbol of that focus but also a signal as to how we will further embed sustainability into our teaching, research, operations, and partnerships, fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators to tackle global challenges.”
Among the highlights from the ranking for University of Galway are – top 50 in the world for actions on SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing; and SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals.
University of Galway is also ranked top 75 in the world for SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation – following a submission under this category for the first time – and SDG14 Life Below Water.
Some of the key measures which have been taken by University of Galway in the realm of sustainability include having the most biodiverse university campus in Ireland.
Among the measures promoting this include new wildflower enhancement schemes, bird boxes, bat boxes, insect hotels, beehives, a pollinator friendly pesticide code and a log tree hive.
In addition, since 2016, the University has halved its greenhouse gas emissions and is on course to surpass public sector 2030 targets. Fossil fuel boilers have been replaced with heat pumps, solar PV rolled out across campus and innovative energy projects have been developed.
On-campus park and ride buses are electric, and a network of internal and external drinking water fountains have been installed campus wide.
Richard Manton, Director of Sustainability at University of Galway, said, “Confirmation of University of Galway’s leading position on sustainability is a great credit to our Community University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP), which this year celebrates its 10th birthday, and to the entire University community.”
“Students, staff and community partners have enthusiastically embraced our model to learn, live and lead on sustainability.”
“As a National SDG Ambassador, we will continue to advocate the Sustainable Development Goals and act as a good practice example on our green, biodiverse and sustainable campus.”
