Academic Centre
The QS World University Sustainability Rankings evaluate the higher education institutions according to three categories to the ranking: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance category. The creators of the rankings emphasize that the higher education institutions represent the most rewarding environment for promoting the development of sustainability processes by combining research, acquiring new knowledge, introducing a well-considered process management and involving the wider society. These rankings have been released for the second consecutive year, and this release includes twice as many universities as last year. The methodology of rankings has been significantly developed and changed. As of this year, sustainability has become one of the essential criteria in the QS World University Rankings.
Institutions can be ranked separately in each or all three categories of rankings, as well as receive an overall assessment. UL is ranked highest in the indicator of Impact of Education (489th in the world) and Environmental Education (498th in the world).
“Evaluating the results of our university in the context of the changes in the methodology of rankings, we can be proud of the highest achievements in Latvia. The framework of rankings is a clear guide for higher education institutions worldwide that can help to improve their environmental, social and governance performance. UL has a fundamental platform for developing sustainability. This type of monitoring is the university’s pledge to the continuity in promoting sustainability and our own commitment to solving the issues thereof,” comments Renārs Kairis, chair of the UL Eco-Council.
On 31 January 2023, at the suggestion of the UL Eco-Council, the UL Council has approved the University of Latvia Sustainable Development Policy. The purpose of this policy is to define and develop responsible actions of the university, serving as an opinion leader in shaping attitudes for changing behaviour and habits with a view to promote sustainable development both in the university and Latvia as a whole. Sustainable Development Policy delineates advancement of sustainability in research, innovation and knowledge transfer, education and studies for sustainable development, communication and public engagement, socially responsible investment, resource management, promoting an environment conducive to public welfare, and cooperation to achieve regional and global sustainability goals. The sustainable development goals of UL in greater detail were discussed in the early December TV24 broadcast “Alma Mater” in conversation with the Head of the UL Administration Andris Sarnovičs and the Chair of the UL Eco-Council Renārs Kairis. The recording of the broadcast can be viewed in the XTV.lv archive (in Latvian).
 695th out of 1043 universities in the world, 290th out of 493 universities in European countries and first out of the two assessed Latvian higher education institutions. ){kind=link}