The University of Victoria is in the top ten among 1,500 universities worldwide in an assessment of how higher education is responding to and acting on United Nations’ goals to build a better future for people and the planet.
The 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings placed UVic ninth in the world and third overall in Canada for how universities scored across all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are universal calls to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity.
UVic is first in Canada, and third globally, for climate action—one of the key areas identified by the UN as requiring an urgent and immediate response.
UVic also ranked fourth in the world for sustainable cities and communities.
“As a global leader in environment, social and institutional sustainability, the University of Victoria is a connector,” says UVic President Kevin Hall. “We engage and partner with local and global communities. We identify and find place-based solutions to improve our shared global existence.”
Low-carbon energy for small and medium-sized communities
In April, UVic announced it will lead a national research initiative with more than 40 partners that will help Canada reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach its net-zero goal. Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) recently received an $83.6-million investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, one of the federal government’s top-tier funding programs.
ACET will help small- to mid-sized communities implement their own unique clean-energy systems—including wind, tidal and solar energy, supported by innovative low-carbon financing and governance models—in line with each community’s goals and resources.
The ACET research initiative reflects the hard work, passion and creativity of the UVic community, says Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic’s vice-president research and innovation.
“UVic is increasingly recognized as Canada’s climate university because of our bold and inclusive approach to addressing the climate emergency,” Kalynchuk adds. “Our interdisciplinary research and training programs are helping to inspire and prepare the next generation of climate leaders to understand and pursue the integrated solutions that are so urgently needed."
The impact rankings also reflect UVic’s performance in research and teaching activities, such as the recently announced undergraduate climate science degree and a graduate-level coastal climate solutions leaders program.
Collaborations on sustainability initiatives are also supporting the UVic campus, including improvements to active transportation options that reduce emissions and make campus more walkable and bikeable. New construction for student housing and dining meets the most rigorous global building standards for sustainability and energy efficiency.
Working with industry and government
UVic is also the catalyst helping government and industry leaders spark changes in their own sectors. Through CIFAL Victoria—one of 10 university-based United Nations-accredited training centres in the world—UVic offers specialized training and connects the global community through knowledge sharing and partnerships that address the UN SDGs.
This year, UVic’s top global ranking in making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable reflects important partnerships for place-based solutions, says Emilie de Rosenroll, group chief executive officer of South Island Prosperity Partnership, a public-private partnership in Greater Victoria that works to bolster the region’s economic and social prosperity.
“Through its groundbreaking research, its pursuit of innovation and its willingness to take on global-sized challenges like climate change, UVic is an inspiring example of a university driving positive change to make a real difference in the world,” says de Rosenroll.
Explore more examples of UVic’s impact online.
