Southern Cross University among highest in world sustainability rankings

THE 2025 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability has named Southern Cross University (SCU) the best-performing Regional Universities Network member.

In assessing the commitment to meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges of 1,743 universities internationally, SCU ranked 387th globally and 27th in Australia, establishing it as a sustainability-focused education and research leader.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the university was proud to be at the forefront of advancing sustainability, ethical leadership, and transparent governance.

“As we work toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SCG) by 2030, these results reflect our collective commitment to driving meaningful change and shaping a more equitable, sustainable future for all,” Carlin said.

The small size and close community ties of the regionally-based university allow SCU to pilot manageable, scalable sustainability projects while mitigating costs and risks.

The QS Rankings highlight SCU’s strengths in health and wellbeing, environmental research, impact of education, equality and governance – scoring at 80 out of 100 in each subcategory.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Spongberg said initiatives like ReCirculator (technology to repurpose business waste) and ZeroWaste Cluster (research focused on advancing the circular economy) underscored the university’s commitment to building a sustainable future.

“These initiatives and the Lismore Campus Master Plan are driving real change – impacting local communities and contributing to global sustainability solutions,” Spongberg said.

The Lismore plan aims to transform the campus into a seamlessly connected education, research and community precinct, with sustainable practices and design principles at its heart.

SCU has campuses in Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and the southern Gold Coast, on the border of the Tweed Shire.