Across a range of measures, including environmental impact, social impact, sustainable education and sustainable research, the rankings reflect how universities are using their expertise and social position to drive sustainable development.
In a field of 700 universities globally, RMIT has ranked equal 53rd and is ranked 5th in Australia (33 universities ranked).
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron said the latest results demonstrated how universities apply their expertise and influence to address societal changes and challenges in practical ways.
"RMIT is proud to be recognised among global leaders when it comes to the drive for sustainable development and a more equitable world.”
"The strong results we've achieved in the inaugural QS Sustainability Rankings highlight how we use our innovative learning, teaching and research to contribute in the communities we serve,” he said.
"It reflects our longstanding commitment to play a global leadership role in promoting sustainability, well-being and inclusive prosperity.”
RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Vice-President and Chair of the RMIT Sustainability Committee Professor Sherman Young said the strong results reflected the University's longstanding commitment to sustainability, underpinned by its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2025.
“RMIT has achieved the biggest on-site emissions reduction of any tertiary institution in Australia and we continue to act with urgency to reduce our carbon emissions globally,” he said.
Earlier this year, RMIT also ranked among the world’s top performing universities in The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which assesses global universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
RMIT ranked number three in the world and second in Australia for its commitment to reducing inequality within and among countries (SDG 10) and fifth globally and first in Australia for promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
The University ranked fifth in the world for SDG 8 for the third consecutive year, for promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
In 2022 the University also received the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation for the fifth consecutive year.
The citation recognises RMIT’s continued progress in developing a gender-balanced workforce, pay equity, support for parents and carers, mainstreaming flexibility and preventing gender-based harassment.
RMIT has also received the most Green Gown Awards of any institution in Australasia, winning awards for facilities and services, institutional change, carbon reduction and benefitting society. Most recently RMIT won the 2021 Green Gown awards for Climate Action and Circular Economy.
Story: Karen Phelan
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