Ealing’s University of West London (UWL) has been ranked the most sustainable university in London, following a major greening of its campus, in a national league table linking climate action with social justice.
The 2025/26 People & Planet University League assesses 147 UK educational institutions against 14 criteria, awarding classifications from first to fail. Five London universities secured a first class award, with UWL and Greenwich in the top ten. Manchester Metropolitan University topped the table for a record fourth time.
Claire Willitts, Pro vice-chancellor (property, sustainability and accommodation), said: “Being classed as the most sustainable university in London and in the top five for carbon reduction across the UK reaffirms that sustainability is central to the mission and strategy of UWL. We are determined to keep driving progress, not only for our university but for the wider sector, because we believe education and sustainability must go hand in hand to create lasting change.”
Campaigns on migrant justice and fossil fuels reshaped this year’s results. There has been a 116% rise in universities divesting from private firms that profit from border controls, with SOAS, University of the Arts London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine improving their scores after cutting ties with the border industry.
Eighteen universities, including the Royal College of Music, now refuse to promote jobs with fossil fuel companies, an 80% increase on last year.
Jack Ruane, People & Planet’s University League manager, said: “Well done to the University of West London, which has invested a lot into decarbonisation and renewable energy on campus, signalling that it aims to lead on innovation and sustainability.”
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