Our commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
The role of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in helping ensure the University of Glasgow’s development activity balances social, economic and environmental sustainability continues to grow in importance.
By contributing to the SDGs, we can help tackle the most pressing global challenges facing humanity and the natural world. We recognise, as a world-leading, research-intensive university, the opportunity we have to make a material impact on this global movement, and we have answered the call to action.
We have built on our Glasgow Green Strategy by developing a detailed and actionable Carbon Management Plan and have eliminated single-use plastics in our catering outlets. Our Centre for Sustainable Solutions continues to bring partners together to deliver meaningful change in projects like GALLANT, a £10.2m research project funded by UKRI NERC as part of their Changing the Environment investment, which will use the city of Glasgow as a living laboratory.
This year, the University partnered with Times Higher Education (THE) to host the inaugural Global Sustainable Development Congress. The Congress brought together a range of experts from across higher education, government and the private sector to explore how we work together to build a more sustainable future.
We were proud to be ranked 19th in the world in the THE Impact Rankings for 2022, and 2nd in the world for SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. We were also recently ranked 13th in the world in the QS Sustainability Rankings. This ranking clearly demonstrates the impact the University is making in the world by working towards the UN’s SDGs.
Uzma Khan
Vice-Principal Innovation & Economic Development and Director of Strategic Planning
Rachel Sandison
Deputy Vice-Chancellor – External Engagement and Vice-Principal, External Relations
Our contribution towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
This, our 2022 report, is our second annual publication and provides an update on some of the work and activity that has been taking place across the University of Glasgow to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
We again look at four areas of activity:
- Research
- Learning and Teaching
- University Operations
- Civic Engagement.
We are proud to share examples of the commitment, dedication, and innovation shown by every part of our community.
The following report illustrates some key highlights of our contribution to each SDG and are just a few of many such inspiring examples.
This report was produced and steered by Planning, Insight & Analytics and External Relations. Special thanks go to Eleanor Miller, Susan Howie and colleagues in both directorates for their help and guidance in producing this document, as well as to colleagues across the University who provided invaluable input.
Find out about our progress towards the 17 SDGs:
