The University of Padova returns to the first place in Italy in the QS Sustainability Ranking 2025
The international ranking agency QS today published the results of the third edition of the QS Sustainability ranking, the latest in the Quacquarelli & Simmonds family: the University of Padua ranks first in Italy, 53th in Europe and 110th worldwide, out of 1,751 universities worldwide admitted and considered for comparison.
The evaluation was conducted by QS, in collaboration with Elsevier, Yale University and Academic Freedom Index, from all the universities already analyzed by the global ranking QS WUR, further selecting them on the basis of the sustainability policies developed by individual universities in relation to sustainable development. Three areas were considered: Social (weight 45%), Environmental (weight 45%) and Governance (weight 10%), according to the lens of an ESG approach (Environmental, Social, Governance) that proposes an alternative vision to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the UN 2030 Agenda.
In the social field, indicators are considered that evaluate: policies implemented by an University in relation to gender equality, equal opportunities, inclusion and combating discrimination (Equality, weight 12%); the future of workopportunities for students and research partnership with industry (Employability and Outcomes, 10%); the inclination of Universities to collaborate with other organizations and to share and transfer knowledge to Universities in growing countries ( Knowledge Exchange, 10%); the impact that each University has on the dissemination and improvement of education (Impact on Education, 7%) and last but not least, the University’s focus on promoting health and personal well-being (Health & Wellbeing, 5%).
In the environmental field, it is evaluated the training offered to students on environmental issues (Environmental Education, 17%), partnership agreements, policies and strategies implemented by the University to achieve net zero, or the neutrality of greenhouse gas emissions (Environmental Sustainability, 15%), research conducted on sustainable energy and production issues, linked to some specific SDGs of the 2030 Agenda (Environmental Research, 13%).
The third area, Good Governance, finally, includes aspects related to “good governance”, that is, the presence of a quality leadership, the adoption of transparent and documented decision-making processes, sharing with the social partners on the ground and involvement of the student world.
In addition to the overall result, the University of Padua is leading in the field of Environment and on individual indicators Environmental Research, Environmental Sustainability and Health & Wellbeing.
«An excellent result that rewards the constant commitment of the University of Padua towards a sustainable and responsible growth – comments Daniela Mapelli, Rector of the University of Padua – A growth that passes through the quality of teaching and the variety of offer training, through theoretical and applied research into new ways of producing energy and goods. We hope that our innovation will help to reduce the impact on the ecosystem in which we live. The University of Patavin has taken important initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions, promoting sustainable mobility, energy efficiency of facilities and responsible management of resources. On the theme of inclusion and equity, we propose, among the various initiatives, scholarships and targeted support programs, promoting equal opportunities for students, regardless of their economic or social background, With particular attention to those who try to escape from dramatic geopolitical situations. The recognition obtained is not a point of arrival, but it stimulates us to continue on this road, with our eyes turned towards a future in which our University can continue to be a model of reference and sustainability».
For more details visit the official website of the QS Sustainability Ranking: https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings