Swansea University Achieves First-Class Sustainability Rating in 2025

For a second consecutive time, Swansea University has been ranked in the top ten per cent of institutions for environmental and ethical performance by People & Planet University League UK 2025, which has been published by The Guardian. With a reported first-class rating, the University ranked 13th overall, confirming its strong Swansea University green credentials ranking.

The result was said to recognise Swansea’s leadership in research with impact for sustainable development, teaching that addresses global challenges, and the creation of environmentally responsible campuses. The People & Planet University League sustainability evaluation criteria were explained to include such areas as carbon reduction, energy use, waste, water, sustainable food, ethical investment, workers' rights, and education for sustainable development. The university officials, however, clarified that Swansea had already reduced 45 per cent of the carbon emissions from its campuses and fleet. In addition to that, plans were also underway to make the Institution nature-positive, circular, and waste-free.

The Swansea University sustainability achievement 2025 included:

• Fully funded decarbonization programme in 22 buildings, changing from gas boilers to renewable air-source heat.

• A smart-building programme with 7,500 automatic LED lights and renewable energy generated from 3,500 roof-mounted solar panels.

• Over 1.3 hectares of wildflower meadows support orchids and conservation species such as brown-banded carder bees and small blue butterflies.

• The reuse and recycling of 62 per cent of campus waste.

Such projects support Swansea University pathways to net zero by 2035 and its Nature Positive pledge, while also improving well-being amongst staff and students and the wider community.

It was also ranked 36th globally in the Times Higher Education SDG Impact Rankings earlier this year, for its sustainability, placing it among the world’s leading universities for teaching and research impact in sustainable development.

Registrar and Chief Operating Officer Niamh Lamond explained that Swansea was determined to be a leader. She noted that through advanced research, teaching, and decarbonisation projects, the University was showing its commitment to sustainability as a central part of its purpose, while also achieving efficiencies that supported financial stability.

Sustainability Manager Teifion Maddocks remarked that being in the top ten per cent was a significant achievement and the outcome of passion from staff and students. He added that few research‑led universities reached the very top of the table, and Swansea was managing the operational impacts of a large organisation while at the same time enabling positive academic results for the benefit of people and the planet.

Editor’s Note:

Results from the most recent People & Planet University League UK 2025 show that Swansea University has once again proved its strength in sustainability. Being ranked in the top ten per cent and placed 13th overall confirms its green credentials ranking and highlights the University’s leadership in tackling environmental and ethical issues. On one hand, the practical results include a reduction in carbon emissions by 45 per cent, conversion of 22 buildings to renewable heating, and the installation of several thousand LED lights and solar panels. On the other hand, it has also created wildflower meadows, improved biodiversity, and ensured that 62 per cent of campus waste is either reused or recycled. These steps show how Swansea is working to execute its pathway to net zero by 2035 and its Nature Positive pledge. But it is also at this time that Swansea's position within the Times Higher Education SDG Impact Rankings on sustainability shows its teaching and research go toe-to-toe with global impact. This matters because universities are not only places of study but also powerful drivers of change. By embedding sustainability in its research, teaching, and campus operations, Swansea is showing how higher education can support both people and the planet. For its students and staff, this is more than a ranking; it's about learning and working in an institution that truly values responsibility, innovation, and wellbeing. To the wider community, it reflects how a Welsh university is leading in environmental performance in UK higher education and thereby acts as an example to others.

According to Skoobuzz, Swansea's achievement of sustainability 2025 matters since academic excellence will combine with real-life action. It also proves that universities can deliver quality education and meaningful environmental change-and that is why this news matters.

FAQs

1. What is Swansea University ranked?

Swansea University is placed 32nd in the Guardian University Guide 2026, 37th in the Times Good University Guide 2026, and 40th in the Complete University Guide 2026. Globally, it is ranked around 477th in EduRank 2025 and in the Top 300 in QS World University Rankings.

2. Does Swansea University have a good reputation?

Yes, Swansea University is recognised for its high student satisfaction (15th nationally) and strong career prospects (23rd in the Guardian Guide 2026). It is also known for research excellence, innovation, and a supportive student community. Reviews highlight its coastal location in Wales and vibrant campus lifeStudentCrowd+1.

3. Is Swansea a Russell Group university?

No, Swansea University is not a member of the Russell Group. It is, however, considered one of the best non‑Russell Group universities in the UK, with a growing reputation for research and teaching.

4. Is Swansea hard to get into?

Swansea University has an acceptance rate of around 50%, which means entry is competitive but not as restrictive as some Russell Group institutions. Typical undergraduate offers range from AAA–AAB at A‑level, with scholarships available for high achievers. International applicants are usually required to meet English language standards, such as IELTS.

5. What is a distinction at Swansea University?

At Swansea, a postgraduate distinction is awarded for marks of 70% or above. A merit is given for 60–69%, and a pass for 50–59%. Undergraduate classifications follow the UK system, with First Class Honours also awarded at 70% or higher.