University of Hamburg: Top German University in QS Sustainability Ranking
© UHH/Esfandiari
The University of Hamburg has established itself as a leading university in the field of sustainability. In the current QS Sustainability Ranking, it moved up 2 ranks and secured the top position in Germany. It also belongs to the top group internationally: It ranks 17th in Europe and 29th worldwide.
“The top position in the QS Sustainability Ranking acknowledges our systematic transformation approach. As a University of Excellence, we have firmly anchored sustainability in our core areas—from research, studies and teaching to transfer and administration. This measurable success confirms our strategy and motivates us to further expand our pioneering role in sustainable development,” says University President Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren.
“First place is not only a great recognition of the commitment and cooperation of all university members, but also a clear mission for the future, which we accept with vigor. We will continue on this path in order to develop innovative solutions for the pressing challenges of our time as a living lab for social transformation,” says Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons, the University’s chief sustainability officer (CSO).
The Sustainability Office at the University of Hamburg collects ideas, supports the development and implementation of projects, and monitors the progress of the university’s sustainability activities, in the following areas, among others:
- Governance and climate protection report: A central part of the University’s sustainability strategy is the whole-institution approach. All members of the University are actively involved in the developing and implementing sustainability measures. The University of Hamburg published its first Climate Protection Report for the period from 2019 to 2022.
- Participation: The participation of all University members is key to creating a broad awareness of sustainable development. The Tiny House on campus, for example, serves as a meeting and learning space. There is also the open plenum on sustainability, a regular interactive format. The Sustainability Days in October 2024 were a 2-day highlight.
- Sustainability certificate for students: The University-wide sustainability certificate was launched in fall 2023. Aimed at all students the certificate is to promote sustainability by providing comprehensive sustainability knowledge and skills in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ranking values
The University of Hamburg has significantly improved in almost all ranking categories. It climbed from rank 73 to 37 internationally. This success is attributable to the University’s clear climate and biodiversity goals and activities set forth in the Climate Protection Report and the Sustainability Office’s strategy.
The University has also undergone a remarkable development in environmental education: It improved by more than 200 places and was ranked 85th. This positive development was achieved with the Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS) and extensive (continuing) education opportunities.
The University has also made major progress in knowledge exchange: An improvement by 100 places, now ranked 72nd. This success can be attributed to the numerous scientific publications produced in cooperation with researchers from so-called ODA countries, i.e., countries funded through development cooperation.
About QS Sustainability Ranking
The QS Sustainability Ranking is an annual ranking assessing the sustainability development of universities across the world. It includes about 1,800 universities and, among other things, is based on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals to make the universities’ efforts towards sustainability visible and honor their successes.