VU Is the Only University in Lithuania to Be Included in the Global QS Sustainability Ranking

This year, the QS World University Rankings assessed the sustainability indicators of universities for the first time. It includes the only Lithuanian higher education institution: Vilnius University (VU) is ranked 601st. Based on the social impact indicator used in the ranking, VU ranks 447th.

This comprehensive sustainability rating is created by using two indicators – the environmental impact and the social impact. The social impact of higher education is determined by considering 5 categories: Employment & Opportunities, Equality, Life quality, Impact of education and Knowledge exchange. Meanwhile, the environmental impact is measured using data on Sustainable institutions, Sustainable education and Sustainable research.  

The environmental impact indicator reflects whether the institution develops strategies, conducts scientific research and carries out educational activities considering the environment. This indicator uses aggregate data from QS rankings, the universities themselves, Netherlands-based information analysts Elsevier and international organizations such as UNESCO and the World Bank.

The social impact of higher education institutions is evaluated by taking into account different aspects of the institution’s activities, ensuring social progress and quality education. As with the Environment category, it combines data from QS, institutions, Elsevier and organizations such as UNESCO and the World Bank.

Using the social impact indicator, VU achieved the highest results in two categories: Employment & Opportunities and Impact of education. The university is ranked 315th in Employment & Opportunities and opportunities and 363rd in terms of Impact of education.

In order to be included in this ranking, higher education institutions must meet the following criteria: be committed to mitigating the climate crisis, have demonstrated the compatibility of the research culture with the United Nations (UN) sustainable development indicators (SDGs), be participants in the QS rankings.

The Sustainability ranking given to a university is primarily an opportunity to find out which institutions are actually committed to carrying out their activities more sustainably. This commitment must also be supported by external evidence: from the impact of university graduates on science and technology in addressing climate issues, to the research carried out in the implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Indicators. 

Finally, the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and scientific research is assessed, and at the same time, the impact of higher education institutions as major employers solving the sustainability challenges of activities in society.