The University of Exeter has achieved a top ten position in a national league table ranking the environmental and ethical performance of higher education institutions.
Exeter rose 12 places to ninth in the 2024/25 People & Planet University League, retaining its status as one of 25 ‘first-class universities’. It was also the highest ranked university in the Russell Group, and one of just four from the mission group to attain first-class status.
This year, nearly 150 universities were ranked by People & Planet – the UK’s largest student campaigning network – against 14 different criteria.
The University scored a full 100% for its Auditing and Environmental Management System, and scores of 90% and above for Environmental Policy, Sustainable Food and Education.
It also excelled in its provision of expert sustainability staff and senior leadership commitment, and for student and staff engagement more broadly.
Exeter’s Strategy 2030 puts the climate emergency and ecological crisis at the heart of the university’s mission, including in education and management of campuses.
The University, which has more than 1,400 researchers working on the environment and climate, is collaborating with partners in the South West, the UK and worldwide to drive action in this crucial decade for our planet.
It also reports its sustainability performance on an annual basis, summarising the steps it is taking to cut its carbon footprint, adopt and share best practice across its estate and operations, and promote biodiversity and ethical practice.
Last year, Exeter was also ranked 10th in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, and 30th globally in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2024.
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