In the most recent edition of the University Impact Rankings released by Times Higher Education (THE), Canadian universities have significantly outpaced their American counterparts in sustainability performance. The annual ranking, which in 2025 evaluated 2,526 institutions across 130 countries, highlights global leaders based on their implementation of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in addition to an overall sustainability ranking.
These SDGs cover a wide range of global concerns, such as eradicating poverty, ensuring clean energy, and promoting responsible consumption. The evaluation process examines how well universities incorporate these goals into four key areas: teaching, research, outreach, and stewardship. While many institutions across the globe have made strides, this year’s results confirm Canada’s growing influence and dedication to sustainability in higher education, especially in North America.
Notably, seven Canadian universities placed in the global top 50 in terms of overall sustainability performance, second only to Australia in terms of regional representation. Among these institutions, Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, emerged as a standout performer, securing the top spot worldwide for its initiatives aimed at eradicating hunger. Meanwhile, the University of Alberta in Edmonton gained international recognition for excellence in “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.”
The global top three positions were captured by institutions outside North America. Western Sydney University in Australia claimed first place overall, followed by the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, and South Korea’s Kyungpook National University in third. These schools are recognized for integrating sustainable development across multiple aspects of university life and education.
On the North American front, Canadian universities dominate the top 10 rankings, with nine spots filled by Canadian institutions. Only one U.S. university, Arizona State University (Tempe), managed to make it onto the list. It tied for sixth place with Queen’s University and was highlighted for its achievements in reducing marine pollution. Arizona State was specifically recognized for meeting three SDG criteria: Quality Education, Life Below Water, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Phil Baty, THE’s chief global affairs officer, addressed the disparity between the U.S. and Canada in a pointed remark. “While Canada’s universities are showing clear global leadership in driving forward the sustainability agenda, U.S. universities’ general lack of direct engagement with the SDGs, with a few notable exceptions, is disappointing,” Baty said.
This year’s North American top 10 university rankings based on overall sustainability impact are as follows:
In the first position is Queen’s University, located in Kingston, Ontario. It achieved an overall impact ranking of 6 and is celebrated for its work in “Zero Hunger, Life on Land, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” Queen’s success underscores its strong alignment with multiple SDGs, showing a commitment to both environmental and social goals.
Tied for first with Queen’s is Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Also ranked sixth overall in terms of sustainability impact, Arizona State has been acknowledged for its strengths in “Quality Education” and “Life Below Water,” reflecting its environmental stewardship and academic engagement with global issues. It remains the sole American representative among the top 10 institutions in North America.
The University of Alberta in Edmonton takes third place regionally with an overall ranking of 8. The university earned particular praise for its accomplishments in the category of “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.” This recognition highlights the university’s role in promoting sustainable industrial development and technological advancement.
Next, in fourth place, is McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Ranked 14th globally for its sustainability efforts, McMaster’s recognition stems from a broad-based contribution to several SDGs: “No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnerships for the Goals.” These areas reflect the university’s dedication to inclusive development and global cooperation.
Also sharing the 14th overall position is the University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia. Its consistent sustainability performance places it in fifth position among North American institutions, although specific SDG categories it excels in were not detailed.
Western University in London, Ontario, joins the same global ranking of 14th, landing it in sixth place regionally. The university is particularly noted for its work in the category of “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” suggesting its focus on fair employment practices and economic development through sustainable means.
In seventh place among North American universities is Simon Fraser University, based in Burnaby, British Columbia. It achieved an overall impact ranking of 35. While the ranking affirms its commitment to sustainability, no individual SDG areas were singled out in the data provided.
Eighth in the region is York University in Toronto, Ontario, which holds a global impact ranking of 38. Like Simon Fraser, York’s performance suggests a broad sustainability agenda, even though its standout SDG achievements weren’t specifically named in this report.
The ninth place goes to Université Laval in Quebec City, Quebec. It ranks 52nd globally and has been particularly recognized for excellence in “Responsible Consumption and Production,” a category that emphasizes the importance of reducing waste and managing resources wisely. This reflects the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable resource management.
Rounding out the North American top 10 is Université de Montréal, located in Montreal, Quebec. With a global ranking of 55, the university’s consistent focus on sustainable practices earned it a place among the leading institutions in the region, although individual SDGs were not specified.
The data from the 2025 University Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education paints a clear picture: Canadian universities are excelling in embedding sustainability into their institutional fabric, while the U.S. lags behind with limited participation and fewer standout performances. This trend is especially significant given the scale and resources of American higher education institutions.
Baty’s criticism highlights a gap in engagement that could influence how universities in the U.S. reassess their strategies. “U.S. universities’ general lack of direct engagement with the SDGs… is disappointing,” he emphasized, making it evident that while some American institutions have made progress, widespread adoption of the SDGs in the U.S. remains limited compared to their northern neighbors.
Overall, these rankings emphasize that Canadian institutions are leading the charge in addressing global challenges through education, research, and community engagement. With sustainability becoming an increasingly crucial benchmark in higher education, the example set by Canadian universities may serve as a model for others across North America and beyond.