Leicester’s DMU Recognised for Long-Term Commitment to Sustainable Development

De Montfort University Strengthens Global Standing in Sustainability Education

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has reaffirmed its global leadership in sustainability and social responsibility, earning high placements in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Recognised for its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), DMU was ranked joint 57th for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and joint 61st for both SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). With over 2,500 universities assessed worldwide, these results underscore DMU’s growing influence in embedding sustainability across research, education, and community engagement.

Since the inception of the rankings in 2019, DMU has achieved 33 top 100 placements for its SDG-related efforts. Notably, in 2025, the university rose 37 places to join 37th for SDG 11, which evaluates performance in areas such as sustainable urban research, community engagement in arts and heritage, public access to facilities, and environmentally conscious practices like green commuting. Earlier this year, DMU was appointed the global academic hub chair for SDG 11 by the United Nations Academic Impact, making it the only UK university to receive this distinction. Complementing this recognition, DMU was also ranked the second most environmentally friendly university in the UK by People and Planet, earning a first-class degree rating for the 13th consecutive year in its University League for environmental and ethical performance.

In addition to its success in SDG 11, DMU made notable progress in SDG 12 and SDG 13. The university climbed 11 places in SDG 12, moving from 68th to 57th, based on metrics such as research output, recycling rates, waste reduction, and plastic minimisation. For SDG 13, it advanced 12 positions from 73rd to 61st, reflecting its achievements in climate research, low-carbon energy use, environmental education, and climate adaptation planning.

Commenting on the results, Professor Simon Oldroyd, Pro Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, stated that the rankings reflect DMU’s long-term commitment to sustainability, which is embedded in its Empowerment Strategy and aligned with the SDGs. Dr Mark Charlton, Head of the SDG Impact Hub, attributed the success to collective institutional effort and emphasised that SDG 11 has consistently ranked in the global top 100 since 2019, reinforcing DMU’s leadership in sustainable urban development. DMU’s continued rise in global sustainability rankings highlights the power of strategic vision, institutional collaboration, and long-term commitment to the public good.

Editor's Note:

De Montfort University Leicester has achieved significant success in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. This accomplishment highlights the institution's commitment to addressing global challenges, reinforcing the broader mission of higher education.  By placing among the world’s top universities for Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, and 13, DMU has shown that academic excellence can go hand in hand with a deep commitment to responsible research, climate action, and sustainable living. These rankings are based on practical outcomes, including community partnerships, environmental performance, and the real-world impact of research. Universities are increasingly expected to do more than simply award degrees; they must lead by example in shaping societies that are fair, resilient, and environmentally responsible. In this context, DMU's recognition is particularly significant. Its strong performance unequivocally demonstrates that progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals is not merely symbolic, but a measurable, necessary, and achievable endeavour, driven by focused leadership and inclusive strategies.

According to Skoobuzz, universities such as DMU exemplify how purpose-driven education can yield solutions that benefit both humanity and the environment.