On December 5, QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a prominent UK-based higher education research institution, unveiled the latest iteration of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024. This comprehensive ranking encompasses a total of 1,403 global universities, with the current edition featuring the inclusion of 34 institutions from Taiwan. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) attained the 131st position, marking a notable advancement from its previous year's standing within the range of 201-220. Moreover, NCKU secures the second position nationally in this esteemed sustainability ranking.

Despite National Taiwan University's prestigious standing as the nation's leading academic institution, maintaining its position as the top university in Taiwan, it secures the 94th position in the latest global rankings. Nevertheless, this year's ranking reflects a descent from its previous position at 69th last year.

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability framework highlights the different ways in which universities are taking action to tackle the world’s greatest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. Through research, teaching, strong governance and community engagement, universities have the expertise and opportunity to drive sustainable development forward, ensuring that generations of students to come are educated in the importance of this topic.

Participating institutions in this sustainability ranking,institutions must be eligible for QS World University Rankings, QS Rankings by Region or QS Rankings by Subject. Business Schools are not currently able to participate in this ranking. There are now three categories to the ranking: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and a newly added Governance category. Institutes can rank separately in each of these categories, in all three of them, and overall.In the Environmental Impact category, both NCKU and NTU jointly attained the top national position, securing an impressive 56th global ranking. Notably, NCKU excelled in the Environmental Sustainability subcategory, ranking first nationally and 39th globally. NCKU presented tangible evidence and demonstrated significant commitment in areas such as climate action policies, green procurement policies, sustainable investment policies, student sustainability clubs, and greenhouse gas inventories.

Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, emphasized the importance of this ranking as a crucial  tool for evaluating universities' endeavors in addressing substantial challenges vital for survival. A significant 79% of students highly value institutional sustainability practices, with 82% actively researching these initiatives, reflecting a growing concern among future students for social and environmental impact. Universities, in their unique role in education, inspire positive changes at local, national, and global levels through teaching, academic pursuits, and community engagement.It's noteworthy that numerous universities are making impressive strides in addressing the world's most challenging issues in environmental, social, and governance.

Provider: NCKU News Center