UK Universities Leading the Way in Climate Action: The 2024 Impact Rankings

With climate change becoming a bigger threat every day, UK universities are stepping up, not just with research but with real, on-the-ground action. These institutions are slashing emissions, retrofitting their campuses, and making sustainability a core part of university life. The 2024 Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education have recognised the UK’s top universities for climate action, showcasing how they’re putting words into practice with innovative and bold steps.

University of Exeter (1st in the UK for Climate Action)

Leading the pack is the University of Exeter, where climate action goes beyond buzzwords. Aiming for carbon neutrality by 2040, Exeter is making big moves with its Climate Emergency Action Plan. They’re slashing emissions, ramping up renewable energy, and turning the campus into a testbed for green tech. In terms of research, the Green Futures programme brings sustainability straight into the classroom, offering top-ranked courses in Environmental Science, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy Engineering. Students get hands-on with real projects, tackling plastic waste and boosting biodiversity, while world-class research from the Global Systems Institute keeps Exeter at the forefront of the climate conversation.

University of Reading (2nd in the UK for Climate Action)

The University of Reading is a heavyweight in climate science, with courses like Environmental Management and Meteorology drawing students from all over. Reading’s commitment to sustainability is evident in it’s campus too, with solar panels, energy-efficient buildings, and electric vehicle charging stations as part of their goal to hit net zero by 2030. Their research is highly influential, contributing to key reports for the IPCC and shaping global climate policy.

University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) (3rd in the UK for Climate Action)

UWE Bristol is all about making sustainability accessible. With a commitment to net zero by 2030, UWE combines solar panels, green roofs, and community spirit to create a campus that’s buzzing with green innovation. Their Green Skills Academy is open to the whole community, offering training to help everyone thrive in the green economy. UWE’s research tackles issues like air quality and sustainable construction, ensuring that the university is not just teaching sustainability but actively driving it forward.

University of East Anglia (4th in the UK for Climate Action)

At the University of East Anglia, climate action is more than a priority but a passion. Home to the globally respected Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, UEA is known for its influential work on climate policy. Their academic offerings in Environmental Science and Climate Change are among the best, and their commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 is matched by a campus transformed with green buildings and renewable energy. UEA engages far beyond the campus, hosting events like the Green Film Festival to spark broader conversations on environmental issues.

University of Sussex (5th in the UK for Climate Action)

Sussex is a hub of environmental activism with a long-standing reputation for leading the way. Their academic strengths in Global Environmental Policy and Sustainable Business are backed by impactful research from the Science Policy Research Unit. Sussex has pledged to hit net zero by 2035 and is making strides with solar power, wildlife conservation, and a campus that feels more like a green oasis. The university’s support for student-led projects ensures that climate action is not just a goal but a daily reality.

King’s College London (6th in the UK for Climate Action)

King’s College London is moving fast toward an ambitious goal of net zero by 2025. The university integrates sustainability into its core, offering top degrees in Environmental Science and influencing global strategies through leading research. King’s Climate Action Network brings students and staff together, creating a campus culture that’s deeply committed to sustainability, showing that their environmental efforts are about much more than just cutting carbon as they look to make a real impact on people’s lives.

University of York (7th in the UK for Climate Action)

York’s focus on sustainability shines through its top-tier teaching and research. With standout courses in Green Chemistry and Environmental Economics, the university prepares students to tackle today’s environmental challenges. York’s campus, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, features renewable energy and eco-friendly designs, while its award-winning Green Chemistry Centre continues to push boundaries in sustainable technology.

University of Glasgow (8th in the UK for Climate Action)

Glasgow is leading by example, embedding sustainability into the heart of university life. Their Green Campus initiative, coupled with a target to achieve net zero by 2030, has transformed the university with renewable energy investments, green spaces, and student-driven sustainability projects. Glasgow’s Centre for Sustainable Solutions plays a key role in applying research to real-world challenges, making a difference not just on campus but across the city and beyond.

University of Liverpool (9th in the UK for Climate Action)

Liverpool’s approach to sustainability is as dynamic as the city itself. With a net zero target of 2035, the university combines research in climate adaptation and low-carbon technologies with a campus designed to reflect its green values. From eco-friendly buildings to biodiversity projects, Liverpool is making every corner of its campus a testament to environmental commitment.

University of Manchester (10th in the UK for Climate Action)

The University of Manchester is setting a new benchmark for climate action with its goal to be carbon neutral by 2038. Home to the Tyndall Manchester Centre for Climate Change Research, the university is a leader in environmental science and sustainability. Manchester’s Sustainability Challenge brings real-world problem-solving into the classroom, ensuring that students are not just learning about climate action but that they’re driving it forward.

For more information on how universities are ranked and their impact on sustainability, you can explore the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings to see how institutions around the world are contributing to climate action.

Top UK Universities for Climate Action in 2024