The University of Toronto has been named one of the top two universities in the world for sustainability by QS World University Rankings: Sustainability – for the fourth year in a row. The annual ranking by London-based firm Quacquarelli Symonds – which has awarded U of T the No. 1 spot twice – evaluated nearly 2,000 universities on how effectively they address urgent environmental, social and governance challenges.
"The University of Toronto is profoundly committed to building a more sustainable world," said U of T President Melanie Woodin. "The challenges involved are complex and urgent but together we are showing that progress is possible and there is reason to hope. U of T's continued strength in the QS sustainability rankings is a testament to the passionate dedication of our students, faculty, librarians, staff and alumni in achieving a better future for all humanity."
At St. George, work is underway on a multi-year shift to electric power at the central steam plant and the implementation of Canada's largest urban geoexchange system, which will reduce emissions by an estimated 17,000 tonnes.
At U of T Mississauga, Project SHIFT is completing deep energy retrofits, electrification upgrades and steam-to-hot-water conversions designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, U of T Scarborough is advancing clean-tech innovation through the Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH), a partnership helping expand the sector in east Toronto and supporting projects such as a net-zero vertical farm.
© Matt Volpe
Guided by the President's Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS), the university is deepening its academic leadership in sustainability. Hundreds of faculty researchers contribute to climate-focused work across more than 120 research units and interdisciplinary initiatives. Students, meanwhile, have access to more than 2,000 undergraduate courses and over 115 graduate programs with sustainability content.
Source: University of Toronto
