Rankings reflect commitment of institutions of higher learning to a more sustainable existence
Himachal Pradesh-based Shoolini University, ranked among the top private universities on research parameters by various ranking institutions, has now emerged as the leading private university in the QS World Universities Sustainability Rankings 2024.
The rankings reflect the commitment of institutions to a more sustainable existence and evaluate their social and environmental impact as centres of education and research.
While Shoolini University has attained the top position among all private universities in the northern region, it is No.4 across the country in this category. Globally, the university ranked 579th among all public and private universities. The only private universities ahead of Shoolini University in the category are BITS, Pilani, VIT and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Shoolini University has also been ranked 400 globally for Environmental Impact and 415th for Governance. In the category of Knowledge Exchange, it has been placed at 280th rank worldwide and 112th for Environment Sustainability.
Chancellor Prof PK Khosla remarked that the university's recent rankings validated the founders’ vision of emphasising research and sustainability. He affirmed these areas as ongoing priorities for the university, projecting further improvements in rankings in the upcoming years.
Pro Chancellor Vishal Anand said, “The university, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, has always strived to work for environmental protection and sustainability. It is a matter of great pride that our efforts are being recognised at the international level.”
Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla said the high ranking for the university “demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and protection of the environment. The rankings shall propel us to strive for even better efforts and performance in the years to come”.
Remarkably, the top 200 ranks do not feature any Indian university. “Delhi University has been featured as the most sustainable Indian University in the QS World University Rankings (position 220). After Delhi University, IIT Bombay has featured at 303 globally followed by IIT Madras at 344, IIT Kharagpur at 349, IIT Roorkee at 387 and IIT Delhi at 426. Among the private universities, Vellore Institute of Technology (449), BITS Pilani at 517, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (576), Shoolini University (579) and SRM Institute (629) are among the toppers.
Lovely University, with 992 in Sustainable Development, is second in the northern region, while Shoolini University, with 961, is ranked first. Other universities from the region listed are Chitkara (1001), OP Jindal (1001) and Chandigarh University (1151-1200).
QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter said, “India, as one of the world’s largest emitters of carbon dioxide, faces a formidable challenge and shoulders immense responsibility for meeting its commitment to achieve net zero by 2070. In this context, the role of Indian universities is pivotal as they continue to expand in number and improve in quality.”