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UAL ranks in top 5 greenest universities in the UK

  • Written byYana Kasa
  • Published date 12 December 2022
Mayyadah Hameed, MA Interior and Spatial Design, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL | Photo: Mayyadah Hameed

UAL has been ranked in the top 5 greenest universities in the UK and maintains its position as the country’s highest-ranking arts university in People & Planet’s University League. The league is the UK’s only independent and comprehensive ranking of universities against sustainable and ethics criteria. In the past decade UAL has climbed 125 places in the league table.

The highest scoring London university, UAL has risen 2 places since 2021 and received 100% in the Policy and Strategy, Staff & HR and Environmental Auditing & Management Systems categories. Significant improvements were also made in the Workers Rights category.

The league covers 20/21 academic year from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2021 and saw the university’s score increase across Carbon Reduction.

UAL have recently announced the new Climate Action Plan in the continuous effort to place climate justice and sustainability at the core of the university’s values. The plan outlines bold pledges and active engagement with the environmental and social issues of climate justice and sustainability.

UAL has improved performance against an independent sustainability and ethics criteria for the fourth year in a row. To rank in 5th position, out of a total of 153 UK universities, creates a solid platform from which culture and creative practice play an increasingly central role in facing climate emergency. UAL once again acknowledges the work of student volunteers who interrogate, verify and celebrate the contribution the sector makes to climate and social justice.

— Ian Lane, Associate Director Sustainability
We are proud to be recognised as one of the top 5 universities in the UK and a leader in London. The achievements we have made over the past decade are a testament to the dedication and passion of our staff, students, and alumni. Through our new Climate Action Plan, we have set ambitious goals which build upon our previous progress and address the urgent need for action in the face of climate emergency.

— James Purnell, UAL President and Vice-Chancellor