Awards and recognition
SFU ranks among world’s Top 10 for climate action and sustainable cities
Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a leader on the world stage on climate action and supporting sustainable cities and communities, as recognized by this year’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
SFU is among the Top 10 globally (7th and 9th) in both categories in the 2026 international rankings, which rate more than 1,600 universities based on their progress advancing the United Nation’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The university’s commitment to bold action for a better future was also reaffirmed with Top 100 placing worldwide overall (52nd) and bolstered by strong showings in more individual categories like peace, justice and strong institutions (16th); life below water (63rd); industry, innovation and infrastructure (67th); and affordable and clean energy (83rd).
"Year after year, SFU continues to demonstrate that our students, faculty and staff are deeply committed to engaging in global challenges and making a difference for communities here in B.C. and around the world," says SFU President Joy Johnson. "I am grateful to be recognized for this work and proud of our community's efforts to support the UN's sustainable development goals and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”
Within Canada, SFU continues to be recognized for its excellence and innovation when it comes to sustainable development. SFU is ranked 6th overall in Canada and placed 6th or higher in the following categories:
- Climate action (2nd)
- Sustainable cities and communities (2nd)
- Peace, justice and strong institutions (2nd)
- Affordable and clean energy (3rd)
- Decent work and economic growth (4th)
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure (4th)
- Partnership for the goals (5th)
- Life below water (6th)
Climate action
On climate action (SDG 13), SFU actively measures the amount of low carbon energy used across the university and 90.6 per cent of its total energy consumption is now from low-carbon sources.
SFU has a Climate Action plan, shared with local government and local community groups, and participates in co-operative planning for climate change disasters within government jurisdictions and across borders.
SFU’s research centres and funding contribute to informing and supporting local and regional government in local climate change disaster/risk early warning and monitoring, and collaborate with NGOs on climate adaptation.
The university met its target date of being carbon neutral in 2010 and has since been working on commitments to net zero carbon emissions.
The university also provides local education and certificate programs in B.C. communities, schools and post-secondary institutions on environmental issues such as climate change risks, impacts, mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning for disasters.
Sustainable cities and communities
For promoting sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), SFU contributes to inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements by providing public access to buildings, monuments, and natural heritage landscapes of cultural significance.
It also invests in providing free and automatic public access to our library, including public access to books, publications, and electronic knowledge resources. SFU actively creates cultural resources and provides free public access to these assets along with community-friendly programming. Public access assets include museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, and works of art and artefacts.
SFU harnesses innovation to address global challenges
The 2026 rankings build on SFU’s reputation as a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Earlier this month, SFU was named Canada's top university for innovation in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 for the sixth consecutive year – a recognition of how SFU fosters innovation and partnerships to share knowledge and address global challenges for meaningful impact.
To learn more about SFU’s commitment to the UN’s sustainable development goals, visit the SFU sustainability and climate SDG page.
