In 2024, the University of Sopron ranked as the 3rd greenest university in Hungary and 110th worldwide on the prestigious UI GreenMetric environmental and sustainability ranking, improving its position by 20 places compared to last year.
With a remarkable score of 8,430 points, the University entered the global top 10% among 1,477 institutions from more than 95 countries. This reinforced its Gold Cluster classification (scores between 7,501–10,000), an elite category achieved by only 21% of universities worldwide.
The university's outstanding placement is partly attributed to its unique expertise in the sustainable management and utilization of forest-based resources, which serves as the foundation of a sustainable, forest-based economy. In addition to its natural sciences, climate adaptation, and technical research, the University integrates sustainability into diverse fields such as creative industries, environmental education, pedagogy, economics, and social sciences.
Key Focus of the 2024 UI GreenMetric Evaluation
The 2024 ranking emphasized universities' efforts aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assessing their implementation of sustainability programs and policies. Among the 13 Hungarian institutions, the University of Sopron achieved:
- 1st place nationally in "Transportation" and "Water Management."
- 2nd place in "Energy and Climate Change."
- 4th place in "Education and Research" related to sustainability.
On a European scale, the University advanced into the top 50, achieving 36th place out of 340 participating institutions.
The Scope and Rigors of the 2024 Ranking
The UI GreenMetric World University Ranking was launched in 2010 by Universitas Indonesia (UI) to evaluate sustainability efforts on university campuses. Now globally recognized, the ranking has grown by 20% in 2024, featuring 1,477 universities from 95+ countries. The top three institutions for 2024 are:
- Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)
- Nottingham Trent University (UK)
- University of Groningen (Netherlands)
The 2024 survey assessed 89 indicators across six dimensions: infrastructure, energy, waste, water, transportation, and education. This year, the evaluation criteria became stricter, requiring universities to detail:
- Green spaces, renewable energy usage, and waste streams.
- Carbon footprint reduction initiatives.
- The role of ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
- Sustainability governance structures and “green jobs” for graduates.
University of Sopron’s Achievements in Numbers
The University excelled particularly in "Energy and Climate Change" and "Infrastructure" due to targeted developments. Its 2024 score of 8,430 points represents 84.3% of the total achievable score, marking a 38.55% improvement since 2020. Compared to 2020, the university has climbed 480 places globally.
A Message from the Rector
Prof. Dr. Attila Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron, highlighted:
"Through its sustainability efforts, our university is building both its future and its legacy. Our goal is to cultivate a university culture where sustainability is a priority. Such practices can extend beyond higher education to other sectors and society at large. As Hungary's first carbon-positive 'Green University,' we are fully committed to initiatives that promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This is the spirit behind our motto, 'Naturally with You!' (Természetesen Veled!)."
Unified Green Efforts
The university's achievement reflects the collective efforts of its four faculties, scientific institutes, and entire organizational structure in line with the “Green University” concept, showcased on its dedicated website:
Green University Website
For further details:
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