UCSD - University of California - San Diego

10/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2025 13:15

UC San Diego Ranks 5th Globally for Sustainability Efforts

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October 09, 2025

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UC San Diego is one of the top five universities recognized globally by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for sustainability. AASHE's Sustainable Campus Indexhighlights higher education institutions at the forefront of sustainability, recognizing top achievers by nation, institution category and performance across 13 key impact areas. The rankings were determined using data from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a comprehensive framework adopted by hundreds of institutions to evaluate, disclose and enhance their sustainability efforts. UC San Diego received a STARS Platinumrating in late 2024.

Campus Sustainability Officer Carrie Metzgar noted the significance of the ranking for UC San Diego. "Being recognized in the top five for doctoral and research institutions in the AASHE Sustainable Campus Index is a powerful affirmation of our strategic focus on climate action and sustainability," Metzgar said. "This recognition reflects the systems-level transformation we are spearheading to embed sustainability into the fabric of campus life, operations and learning."

Vice Chancellor of Operations Management and Capital Programs, Niraj Dangoria, who oversees campus sustainability, noted that the ranking is a reflection of the ongoing efforts made by the entire campus community. "Our journey to a more sustainable UC San Diego has been embraced by students, faculty and staff who have integrated sustainable practices into every aspect of campus life," Dangoria said. "We are deeply grateful for their support and partnership as we continue to move forward to improve campus sustainability."

5th Overall Top Performers (Doctoral/Research Institutions)

UC San Diego was ranked fifth globally for our sustainability effortsas a research institution that grants doctoral degrees.

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1st in Curriculum

UC San Diego was recognized for sustainability in course offerings, learning outcomes, academic programs, applied learning and literacy assessment. The index highlighted UC San Diego's Jane Teranes Climate Change Education Requirementin which all bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete a one-quarter climate course. Courses that fulfill the requirement invite students to examine the complex nature of climate change and potential solutions from a variety of perspectives, including scientific, technical, cultural, psychological, political and economic.

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6th in Research

UC San Diego was recognized for the sustainability researchconducted by academic departments and research centers and institutes, incentives for sustainability research, responsible research and innovation, and support for open access of published research.

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