The QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026 highlight a growing global focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in higher education. This year features a record number of universities, showing that sustainability is becoming an essential part of teaching, research, and institutional governance worldwide.
Lund University Tops QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 – Exam-Oriented Notes
Global Leaders in Sustainability
- Lund University, Sweden – 1st place with a perfect score (first time since 2023).
- University of Toronto, Canada – 2nd place.
- UCL, London – 3rd place.
- University of Edinburgh, UK and University of British Columbia, Canada – also in the top 5.
Other top institutions include London School of Economics, Imperial College London, UNSW Sydney, McGill University, and University of Manchester. These universities demonstrate strong sustainability performance in research, operations, outreach, and governance.
India and Global Participation
- Nearly 2,000 universities from 106 locations participated in 2026.
- United States: 240 institutions
- China: 163 institutions
- United Kingdom: 109 institutions
- India: 103 universities, with 26 debut entries, second only to Mainland China’s 49.
The rankings measure ESG impact, including climate action, social initiatives, responsible governance, and community engagement, highlighting sustainability as a key metric in higher education.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Top University: Lund University, Sweden (QS Sustainability Rankings 2026)
- Total Universities Ranked: Nearly 2,000 from 106 locations
- Countries with Highest Participation: US (240), China (163), UK (109), India (103)
- India’s New Entries: 26 universities making debut
- Evaluation Criteria: ESG performance – environmental, social, and governance indicators
Question & Answer
Q1. Which university topped the QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026?
(a) University of Toronto
(b) Lund University
(c) UCL, London
(d) University of Edinburgh
Answer: Lund University
Q2. How many universities participated in the 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings?
(a) 1,000
(b) 1,500
(c) Nearly 2,000
(d) 2,500
Answer: Nearly 2,000
Q3. How many Indian universities made their debut in the 2026 rankings?
(a) 15
(b) 20
(c) 26
(d) 30
Answer: 26
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a criterion in the QS Sustainability Rankings?
(a) Environmental impact
(b) Social initiatives
(c) Governance
(d) Sports achievements
Answer: Sports achievements
Q5. Which country has the highest number of universities in the 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings?
(a) China
(b) United States
(c) United Kingdom
(d) India
Answer: United States
Q6. UCL London secured which position in the 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings?
(a) 1st
(b) 2nd
(c) 3rd
(d) 4th
Answer: 3rd
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