UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
UNBC improves in Times Higher Education Impact Ratings

UNBC moved up one tier in the latest edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings, measuring how post-secondary institutions around the world are making progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

UNBC moved into the group of universities ranked 601-800 out of more than 1,600 ranked. Last year, UNBC made its debut in the ratings, finishing in the group of universities ranked 801-1000. UNBC also moved into the top 100 in the world for SDG 13 Climate Action, reinforcing its position as Canada's Green University. 

"The North is where some of the most consequential sustainability challenges are playing out, and UNBC is uniquely positioned to help address them through research, partnerships and campus operations," says UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen. "Moving up in the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings reflects the genuine commitment of UNBC's students, faculty and staff to building a more sustainable future." 

The United Nations adopted the 17 SDGs in 2015. They are a global call to action to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. 

Universities participating in the Impact Ratings must submit data on how they are achieving SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals. They can also submit data on any of the other goals and their best three categories are included in the rankings. UNBC received its top scores in SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 15 Life on Land and SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being. 

"Taking action on climate change, protecting life on land and promoting well-being for people of all ages are all areas where UNBC's research and operations are making meaningful contribution," says UNBC Provost and Vice-President, Academic Dr. Michel Beaulieu. "UNBC's performance in this year's Times Higher Education Impact Ratings validates the work already underway across the University and reflects a deliberate focus on areas where UNBC can make the greatest difference for northern communities and beyond."

Examples of where UNBC's research and operations are advancing its top three SDGs are: 

• FRBC West Fraser Conservation Solutions Research Chair Dr. Oscar Venter is advancing SDG 15 through his impactful research on protecting and restoring intact ecosystems in Canada and around the world. 
• UNBC's partnership with veritree, which will see the University support tree planting in Senegal, advances UNBC's commitment to SDG 13 and 15. 
• Canada Research Chair in Technology Adoption for Aging in the North Dr. Shannon Freeman is advancing SDG 3 with her research focused on aging in rural and northern communities. 

UNBC is committed to taking action on all 17 SDGs. Other notable projects in the last year include: 

•  A new plastics recycling project in collaboration with the Northern BC Maker Collective is contributing to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. 
• UNBC's Energy Conservation Revolving Loan Fund also advances SDG 12 by allowing UNBC to re-invest savings from energy conservation projects into new green initiatives. 

Also this year, UNBC earned its highest ever certification from the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, earning the gold rating.