UCLouvain: among the world’s best universities, also on sustainability transition issues

Press release - UCLouvain Sustainability Transition

Since 2019, Times Higher Education (THE) has offered a new ranking that assesses the performance of universities worldwide against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In its first participation in the rankings, UCLouvain debuted remarkably, ranking first for Belgium and between 101st and 200th out of 1,115 participating universities worldwide, including top rankings in several fields:

• UCLouvain excels in terms of innovation (28th, score 97.5/100), thanks to its performance in terms of publications and use of its research (patents, spin-offs) in fields related to sustainability transition.
• UCLouvain’s second-best score is in terms of good health and well-being, which reflects the work carried out by the UCLouvain Student Support Service, its inclusion policy and ample social assistance offers (mental health, support), and health collaborations (Univers santé).
• UCLouvain also scores very well in terms of sustainable and non-discriminatory working conditions (decent work and economic growth).

What is the point of participating in such a ranking? ‘It allows the university to commit itself resolutely to the objectives of sustainable development,’ explains Marthe Nyssens, UCLouvain Pro-Rector for Sustainability Transition. ‘UCLouvain has an ethical duty and a major societal responsibility to engage in a transition towards a sustainable society. It must be at the forefront of society’s thinking. In this sense, situating ourselves in relation to others through this ranking allows us to signal our commitment publicly, to motivate ourselves to go even further in order to incorporate sustainable development objectives in our practices, and to innovate even more.’

In concrete terms, an ambitious ‘transition’ plan is currently being approved by the university’s governing bodies, based on three areas: education, research and sustainable campuses. It includes carbon neutrality for its buildings by 2035. To achieve this, UCLouvain is aiming for a 60% reduction in its consumption (compared to 2009) and the use of renewable energy for the remainder. What is UCLouvain’s intention? To go beyond appearances, by analysing in detail the nature of its long-term commitments.