UBC ranked number 1 in the world for its efforts on climate change

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has found itself at the top of a new global list for it efforts on climate change and number one in Canada for its approach to urban issues.

See also

• Canada ranked 3rd best country in the world for education
• UBC ranked one of world's best universities for multiple subjects
• UBC named one of the top 40 universities in the world

On Wednesday, UBC announced that is has been ranked number one in the world for taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts and ranked one in Canada for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, according to Times Higher Education (THE).

“UBC’s achievements in these rankings is a clear reflection of the great work of our students, faculty and staff who combine their expertise to ensure UBC is a leader in creating vibrant, sustainable and connected communities and campuses,” said UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa J. Ono.

THE University Impact Rankings, in which UBC ranks top three overall amongst 500 participating institutions across 75 countries and six continents, aims to measure universities’ social and economic contributions through their success in delivering on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].

These SDGs include promoting good health and well-being and quality education, achieving gender equality and reducing inequalities, fostering innovation, building sustainable cities and communities and achieving responsible consumption and production, and tackling climate change.

“These rankings not only reflect how UBC has worked to dramatically reduce its own climate impact for more than 20 years, but also the importance of engaging in partnerships and collaborations with NGOs and provincial and federal government to develop broader sustainability approaches and solutions,” said Gail Murphy, Vice President, Research and Innovation. “We are proud of all of our researchers, students and staff who have been involved in this work.”

Despite an increase in both building space and student enrolment, UBC said it has also achieved a 34% reduction in GHG emissions from a 2007 baseline.

UBC established its Climate Action Plan that set some of North America’s most aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets in 2010 and said it is on track to reduce GHG emissions by 67% as of 2021, and targeting 100% by 2050. The university has also reduced campus water consumption by 50% since 1999, and reduced natural gas consumption by 30% in the past five years.