Work towards key sustainable development goals propels York St John University into global impact rankings

York St John University is proud to join the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings for the first time as part of our ongoing work to advance and amplify our dedicated environmental and social justice work. Formerly the THE Impact Rankings, this is the only global ranking measuring how institutions worldwide advance sustainability in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2026 rankings evaluate 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories across 17 individual SDG tables and one overall ranking.

Focusing particularly on our strategic mission as the University for Social Impact, York St John entered the ratings with work aligned to SDGs 3 (Good health and wellbeing), 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reducing Inequalities). We scored highly in all sections, with a particularly strong result for our work to reduce inequalities which placed us in the top 200 worldwide. The overall result places us in the 801 to 1000 band.

The reducing inequalities result reflects York St John’s commitment to fairness, equality and inclusion across all areas of the University. Through our Access and Participation Plan we monitor applications, admissions and recruitment. We are focused on improving outcomes for underrepresented groups and growing a diverse and well supported student and staff community.

Many of York St John’s outreach programmes and projects in the local community focus on health and wellbeing, aligning closely with SDG 3. Involving our staff and student volunteers, these include community support in sports, exercise, hygiene, nutrition, family planning, ageing well and other related topics.  Some notable projects include: Menopause Support Groups through the York St John Communities Centre; Active Life, Active Mind gym sessions for people living with dementia and their care givers through YSJActive and Green Social Prescribing for asylum seekers, offering occupational therapy, social support, and fresh vegetables grown on our allotments.

Professor Robert Mortimer, Pro Vice Chancellor: Research and International said:

“Sustainability is one of the key objectives in our University for Social Impact Strategy and, as the UN Sustainable Development Goals highlight, this is something that comes in many forms.

"Alongside our sector leading carbon reduction and biodiversity work, we’re delighted to begin to amplify some of the other initiatives that makes York St John a truly inclusive and equitable organisation. This ranking marks an important starting point for us to work from to demonstrate the breadth of our commitment to driving change that creates a fairer future.”

Nick Coakley, Director of Estates Management and Development said:

“We’re committed to creating safe, sustainable and inclusive campuses where everyone is well supported to learn and work. By prioritising accessibility and environmental responsibility, we aim to empower our diverse community today while protecting opportunities for future students."

University for Social Impact Strategy | York St John University

Sustainability and environment | York St John University