The latest QS World University Rankings for Sustainability, released last night, showed Otago University dropped from 48th last year to 78th this year.
Auckland University dropped from 5th to 17th, but still remained the best-performing New Zealand university in the sustainability rankings.
The latest rankings come at a time when Otago University is exploring the likelihood of being net zero for carbon emissions by 2050.
The rankings showcased more than 1740 universities from 107 countries and territories. All eight New Zealand universities were ranked among the top 500.
QS vice-president Ben Sowter said New Zealand’s higher education sector had long been a world leader in sustainability and this year’s results showed yet again that "the country punches above its weight, surpassing many of its international competitors".
"However, this year’s results also show that universities in other countries are improving their sustainability efforts, with New Zealand’s institutions advised to enhance their offers in areas of governance, employability and outcomes and health and wellbeing."
Otago University head of sustainability Ray O’Brien said the ranking reflected the dedication and hard work of staff and students throughout the university community.
"Since the rankings were introduced in 2022, the number of universities included has increased by more than 1000. To be ranked in the top 5% of this expanded pool is a significant achievement."
Mr O’Brien said in 2022 Otago ranked 47th of 700 universities, placing it in the top 7% globally.
"This year, the university ranked 78 of 1740 institutions, placing it in the top 5%.
"While the total number of universities in the ranking has grown significantly, our relative performance has improved, demonstrating our continued commitment to sustainability."
Mr O’Brien said sustainability was a core focus for the university, supported by the sustainability strategic framework, Tī Kōuka 2030 which had mātauraka Māori at its foundation.
Key components of this programme included developing opportunities for students to learn about sustainability both through their programmes and as part of campus life.
"The new minors in sustainable business and sustainable finance are good examples of what is happening educationally.
"The thrift shop and sustainability hub Te Oraka and the Social Impact Studio are good examples of how the wider Otago experience supports learning about sustainability."
The university was also dedicated to creating a campus that reflected its sustainability values both in new developments and how it managed day to day, he said.
"Our residential college, Te Rangihīroa, is a great example of a building with sustainability in mind and our waste reduction success is an example of the day-to-day operational work."
