UNBC debuts in Impact Rankings and signs Sustainable Development Goals Accord
UNBC makes its first appearance in Times Higher Education's annual rankings, which recognize progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Prince George, B.C. – For the first time, the University of Northern British Columbia has been included in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which assess how universities around the world are helping to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNBC placed in the top third and is featured in the group of universities ranked 801-1000 out of more than 2500 institutions worldwide.
“As Canada’s Green University, UNBC’s inclusion in the Impact Rankings builds on a legacy of action – from promoting education and research that aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, to integrating sustainable practices into campus operations,” says UNBC’s Faculty of Business and Economics Dean Ron Camp, who was on-hand for the Impact Rankings release at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The Impact Rankings evaluate universities against the 17 SDGs, using indicators across four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. UNBC’s submission highlighted its initiatives encompassing SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 15 (life on land) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). The University excelled on SDG 13, ranking in the 101-200 range out of 1089 universities and on SDG 17, rising to place in the 401-600 range out of 2389 institutions.
UNBC is committed to advancing all 17 goals and leading a sustainable future. From its Energy Initiative featuring the Bioenergy Plant, Passive House-certified buildings and Green Grant program to leading-edge research on climate adaptation, water security, community-led solutions to help reduce violence against Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ2S+ people and healthcare equity in the North.
For more than a decade, UNBC has been named to Canada’s Greenest Employers list and was recently featured for its leadership in sustainability in The Commonwealth at 75, a publication marking the Commonwealth’s anniversary.
“Sustainability offers a vital lens through which we can understand our challenges and focus our efforts on meaningful, lasting change,” says Camp. “By making UNBC’s sustainability initiatives visible and collaborative, we’re not only empowering students, faculty and staff — we’re also inviting the broader community to see themselves as part of the solution.”
As another step in the University’s efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UNBC has signed the SDG Accord, which is the University and College sector’s collective response to the global goals.
“The SDG Accord reflects UNBC’s commitment to continue local efforts and to work in solidarity with institutions around the world,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “By signing on, we’re pledging to continue to lead change – to act, report on and share what we learn. The Accord reaffirms that education, research and community partnerships are essential to building a more sustainable future for all.”
The SDG Accord has a dual purpose: to inspire and celebrate the education sector’s role in advancing the SDGs and to encourage collaboration and transparency between institutions. UNBC will report annually on its progress and share its learnings with other signatories across Canada and internationally.