Thompson Rivers University’s first appearance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings has placed the university among the world’s top institutions advancing sustainable development.
In its inaugural submission to the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings, TRU ranked in the top 10 per cent worldwide for SDG 13 Climate Action and earned strong results across five additional United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting the university’s commitment to building stronger communities, advancing sustainability and creating positive change through partnership and collaboration.
“The results are more than a ranking,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Airini. “They reflect who we are as an institution. From sustainability and climate action to responsible innovation, community partnerships and the Secwépemc values that guide our work, these results recognize areas where TRU is committed to making a difference.”
TRU’s strongest results were in:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (top 10 in Canada)
- SDG 13: Climate Action (81st worldwide, placing TRU in the top 10 in Canada)
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (top third worldwide)
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (top 20 per cent worldwide)
Taken together, these results place TRU among the top-performing universities in the world, earning a position in the 401-600 band among 1,603 qualifying institutions, from some 26,000 universities world-wide.
THE Sustainability Impact Rankings measure how universities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a global framework of 17 goals focused on addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges, including health and well-being, sustainability, climate change, justice and partnership.
TRU’s submission reflects a commitment to strengthening communities, advancing sustainability, fostering meaningful partnerships and addressing complex challenges through education, research and collaboration. As Canada’s first dual-sector research university, TRU brings together trades and technology, academic programs, applied research and community partnerships to create impact.
“These results reflect the breadth of impact created through our teaching, research and community engagement,” said Provost and Vice-President Academic Gordon Binsted. “They demonstrate how TRU can contribute to solutions that matter for our region and the planet while preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in their communities, professions and beyond.”
At TRU, those commitments can be seen in sustainability initiatives and climate-focused research, responsible approaches to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, and partnerships that create opportunities for students, researchers and communities alike. A recent example is the TRU horaizon initiative, which advances responsible AI governance informed by Secwépemc values.
The top Climate Action result builds on TRU’s sustainability leadership, including becoming the first Canadian university to earn a Platinum STARS global rating twice, and ongoing investments in sustainability across teaching, research, operations and community engagement.
The university’s strong performance in Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions reflects its commitment to advancing justice, equity and inclusive leadership through education, research and community engagement. Programs such as the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice, Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Diploma in Police and Justice Studies help prepare graduates to contribute to stronger communities and institutions.
TRU also earned strong results in Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting the university’s long-standing commitment to collaboration. From Indigenous-led initiatives and global field schools to multi-institutional collaborations and community-based research, TRU works with partners to inform policy, build capacity and support solutions to complex challenges. The university also continues to strengthen pathways to post-secondary education through partnerships such as its recent transfer agreement with Coast Mountain College, which supports student access, mobility and success.
As a first-time participant, TRU views the rankings as both a significant achievement and an opportunity.
“This is an exciting beginning, not a finish line,” said Airini. “These results validate work communities can recognize on our campus and in our communities, and they show the growing impact TRU is having. We are so grateful to colleagues and students across TRU, so proud of what we’ve achieved for our region and the planet, and we see tremendous room to grow.”
The results provide international recognition for work underway across the university for more than a decade while highlighting opportunities to showcase even more of TRU’s impact in future years.
