QS Ranking Positions UC Chile in the Top Sustainable Universities in Latin America
UC Chile secured the fourth position among Latin American higher education institutions and is the number one in Chile. It ranked 159th globally, placing it in the top 11% of the most sustainable academic institutions in the British consulting firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking.
photo_camera In 2019, amid COP25, UC became the first Chilean university to commit to carbon neutrality by 2038. (Photo by: César Cortés, UC Communications)
For the second year running, the British consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) assessed the sustainability initiatives universities took in its global ranking of higher education institutions. The evaluation positioned UC Chile as the top one in Chile, fourth in Latin America, and 159th globally, locating UC Chile in the 11% group of the most sustainable educational institutions worldwide.
The ranking considered criteria aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 2015. These goals aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. The classification include three main areas: "Environmental Impact," including sustainable institutions, sustainability education, and sustainability research; "Social Impact," considering indicators measuring equality, health and well-being, knowledge exchange, educational impact, employability, and outcomes; and "Governance." The 2024 ranking surveyed 1,403 universities from various countries worldwide, doubling the number of evaluated institutions compared to the 2023 edition.
UC Chile scored high in educational impact, knowledge exchange, and environmental research in this ranking. Provost Guillermo Marshall stated that this global ranking and others confirm the university's ongoing commitment to sustainability over the years. "Significant progress has been made in campus management, climate action, research, and education, but there's still much ground to cover. As universities, we are responsible for leading by example for society, and we are committed to continuing our efforts in that direction," he said.
"Significant progress has been made in campus management, climate action, research, and education, but there's still much ground to cover. As universities, we are responsible for leading by example for society, and we are committed to continuing our efforts in that direction." - UC Chile Provost Guillermo Marshall.
In 2019, amid COP25, UC Chile became the first Chilean university to commit to carbon neutrality by 2038, advancing the country's 2050 goal by 12 years. The institution developed a Climate Action Strategy coordinated by the Office of Sustainability, involving measures discussed in 10 thematic sessions with the participation of faculty, researchers, professionals, administrators, and students, guided by the UC Chile Climate Action Council. The primary purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation) and implement measures to adapt to climate effects.
The university is promoting initiatives focusing on efficient energy use in buildings and infrastructure, sustainable transportation and mobility, waste management and recycling, efficient water resource management, and the development of an institutional culture engaging the university community in climate actions.
