Brock’s work to better the world has earned the University its inaugural spot in a global ranking of post-secondary institutions working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Released Wednesday, April 27, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings placed Brock in the top 300 of more than 1,400 universities from 106 countries around the globe.

Based on efforts to meet SDGs set by the UN to achieve a better and more sustainable world by 2030, the rankings explore the impact that a university can have, specifically looking at themes of poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

Data provided by post-secondary institutions in the areas of research, stewardship, outreach and teaching are used to determine each university’s position.

Brock’s submission outlined initiatives in seven SDGs: Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Climate Action; and Partnership for the Goals.

Brock placed in the top 300 of more than 1,400 universities from 106 countries around the globe in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Among the highlighted efforts was the University’s Women in Leadership group and work to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics); its Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan that aims to implement energy efficiency measures across campus; Brock’s Silver rating for sustainability performance from its inaugural Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System submission; completion of Brock’s District Energy Efficiency Project, which reduced greenhouse gas emissions on campus by 15 per cent; and Brock’s first-place ranking for four consecutive years in the Maclean’s University Rankings among all universities in Canada for mental health support for students.

Mary Quintana, Director, Asset Management and Utilities with Facilities Management, credits Brock’s success in the global Impact Rankings to the contributions made by faculty, staff and students across the University community.

“We’re also successful because of the work between faculty researchers and Brock operations,” she said, referencing the partnership between Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre and Facilities Management. The two units work together at the University to co-lead Sustainability at Brock.

“We’re very proud of the work that’s been done, but this also sets the table for more,” Quintana said. “We have the opportunity to innovate, try new things, be dynamic and adapt to the changes needed in the world. We want to achieve more.”

Work is now underway at Brock to create new sustainability goals for the University beginning in 2023.

“Creating the submission for these rankings helped us to see where we have gaps and where we’re doing well,” Quintana said. “The results have given us the perspective we needed to see where we’re on track and the courage needed to move forward.”