Laurier ranks in top 12% of global universities in Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings

June 24, 2026

Times Higher Education (THE) has ranked Wilfrid Laurier University among the top 12% of global universities and the top 10 universities in Canada in its 2026 Sustainability Impact Rankings. THE assessed universities around the world that are working toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a strategy to address international challenges including poverty and climate change.

“Laurier’s strong showing in the Sustainability Impact Rankings for the third year in a row reflects our collective commitment to sustainable development,” says Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s president and vice-chancellor. “I am proud of our shared efforts across campuses and borders, proving that global progress is made through collaboration, excellence and innovation.”

Laurier ranked among the top 100 universities in the world for five SDGs, including SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Top 5% in the world for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Laurier students participating in a northern field course facilitated by Associate Professor Heidi Swanson. Every summer, Swanson works with Dehcho First Nations communities to study fish mercury levels and the safety and security of local lakes.

Laurier initiatives include:

• The Laurier Institute for Water Science fosters research collaborations between academics, government and community partners focused on water, ecosystems and human health.
• There are 50 filtered water stations across Laurier’s campuses. Since installations began in 2014, the university has saved more than one million bottles from entering the waste stream.
• Associate Professor Sheri Longboat investigates the lack of safe drinking water in many First Nations across Canada, prioritizing practical solutions.

Top 7% in the world for SDG 13: Climate Action 

Laurier’s Northdale Community Garden offers plots for students, staff and faculty to grow their own produce. The Laurier Sustainability Office has also planted more than 20 native pollinator species to support biodiversity.

Laurier initiatives include:

• Laurier’s long-term research partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories informs local climate change monitoring and early warning systems and better prepares the territory and its communities for climate-related disasters.
• More than 1,500 solar panels have been installed on the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, generating enough clean electricity each month to power approximately 820 laptops.
• The Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems brings together citizens, policymakers, industry and academics to foster healthy, inclusive and ecologically regenerative food systems.

Top 7% in the world for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  

Tasmida Johar (centre) arriving in Canada in 2023 to begin her studies at Laurier. Johar’s family fled persecution in Myanmar when she was a child. With the support of Laurier’s International Students Overcoming War initiative, she recently graduated with a degree in Global Studies.

• The Migration + Technology Hub at the Balsillie School of International Affairs facilitates research on contemporary migration technologies and migrant rights.
• International Students Overcoming War is a student‑funded scholarship initiative that supports students from conflict‑affected regions to pursue education in Canada. Laurier has supported 50 scholars to date.
• Members of the Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa produce timely knowledge and discourse about issues affecting Continental Africa and its diaspora.

For more information about how Laurier is working toward the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, visit the university’s Sustainable Development Goals web hub.