Excellent gains in equality, governance and environmental research, rankings show
Brunel University of London has climbed into the top seven per cent of universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, climbing 17 places to 145th out of more than 2,000 institutions in 106 locations.
The rankings, compiled by global higher education experts QS Quacquarelli Symonds, puts Brunel 29th globally for governance, or ethics and transparency and 30th for equality. The University also earned over 95/100 for both equality and environmental research impact.
“This reflects actual change,” said Professor Trevor Hoey, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability at Brunel University of London. “Sustainability runs right through our operations, partnerships and how we prepare students for the future. It’s encouraging to see that effort recognised globally.”
Much of Brunel’s eco-improvements are made behind the scenes. The University’s buildings are greener, major labs now use less power and Brunel is helping industry cut emissions through its research partnerships. Newer student residences use thermally efficient materials that retain heat better in winter and stay cooler in summer. This is part of a wider programme that includes upgrading temperature controls, installing automatic lighting, and retrofitting the University’s older infrastructure.
The University’s Estates team has introduced temperature presets in buildings, increased automation, and upgraded lab systems to lower energy use. Laboratories have turned up settings on hundreds of ultra-low temperature fridges used to store samples in labs from -80°C to -70°C.
Brunel leads the Park Royal Net Zero Food Systems initiative — supporting more than 500 food manufacturers to cut emissions across London’s largest industrial estate, which produces 30% of the capital’s food. Brunel is helping the site’s major businesses including Coca-Cola, Japanese food manufacturers YoYo Kitchens and luxury ready meals brand, Charlie Bigham's to cut emissions.
On an international scale, Brunel researchers are helping make mining more sustainable in the Philippines through the £1.5m PAMANA project. The team’s modelling tools track how contaminated mine sediment flows through rivers, to help clean up and plan future land use.
“We’ve made big strides”, said Glenn Fleetwood, Head of Sustainability & Environment at Brunel. “But the work ahead is much harder — there’s no silver bullet. It’s about behaviour, systems and doing a hundred small things well.
“There’s only so much one team can do; sustainability must be something everybody owns. It’s not just about policies; it’s about daily habits.”
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, said, “The UK has the highest number of institutions in the top 10, top 50, and top 200 of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026. This year’s results demonstrate the UK sector’s strong commitment to societal and environmental sustainability, and its continued innovation in pursuit of a more equal, fair, and just world.
“Our Sustainability Rankings feed directly into the QS World University Rankings. We recognise institutions that translate climate ambition and social purpose into measurable progress. This aligns closely with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Post-16 reforms, which emphasise net-zero leadership, regional growth, and equipping learners with the skills required for a greener, fairer economy.”
Reported by:
Hayley Jarvis,
Media Relations
press-office@brunel.ac.uk