About
About the Global Green University Ranking
GGUR is an international benchmarking initiative created by Green Mentors to recognize higher education institutions that demonstrate leadership in sustainability, climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and responsible institutional transformation.
The Ranking is designed as a complementary framework that encourages universities to reflect upon and strengthen their sustainability performance without creating unnecessary reporting burdens.
Countries
Schools
Universities
Educators
School Leaders
Students
Our Vision
"To inspire every university to become a catalyst for climate action, sustainable development, and planetary wellbeing."
Our Mission
"To recognize, connect, and celebrate universities that are transforming education for a sustainable future."
Why the world needs a different kind of ranking
Higher education institutions are critical actors in shaping sustainable development, innovation, and future leadership. Yet of the roughly 50,000 universities worldwide, participation in conventional global ranking systems is limited to a small, highly concentrated group of institutions.
Existing rankings predominantly assess research-intensive, resource-surplus universities — systematically excluding institutions in developing and least-developed regions. Most are operated by for-profit organizations, whose revenue depends on advisory services, reputation management, and data commercialization, raising real questions of equity and conflicts of interest.
The Global Green University Ranking 2026 is conceived as a corrective and complementary framework — initiated by Green Mentors, a U.S.-based non-profit, and grounded in the principle that every university, regardless of size, geography, or financial capacity, has a responsibility to the planet and its local community.
True excellence in higher education must be measured not by accumulated privilege, but by responsible action, planetary stewardship, and commitment to a sustainable future for all.
Objective
Not just an evaluation — a movement
GGUR's core objective is to accelerate the integration of climate consciousness, sustainability, and social responsibility into the very fabric of higher education institutions worldwide.
- 01
Foster systemic change
In how universities govern, teach, conduct research, and engage with communities — aligned with climate action and sustainable development.
- 02
Promote accountability and responsibility
To students and to the planet, ensuring the next generation has the knowledge, values, and competencies to lead a just, regenerative green economy.
- 03
Benchmark global best practices
Enabling institutions to reflect on their journey, measure progress, and inspire innovation in education for sustainable development (ESD).
- 04
Bridge local action with global goals
Directly contributing to SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 13, and SDG 17 by connecting campus-level work to the UN's global agenda.
- 05
Celebrate and elevate leadership
Recognizing universities that are not only adapting to the climate crisis but actively shaping a greener, more equitable world.
Guiding Principles
What the Ranking is built on
Six principles guide every part of the evaluation process, ensuring it stays fair, rigorous, and impactful.
Transparency
A publicly defined evaluation framework and a single, uniform fee -- no hidden costs, no paid upgrades.
Inclusivity
Open to every higher education institution, regardless of size, geography, or financial capacity.
Evidence-based evaluation
Self-assessment is grounded in documentary evidence, not reputation or survey perception.
Collaboration
A global peer-learning network for institutions to share innovations, case studies, and climate solutions.
Continuous improvement
Personalized feedback and benchmarking help institutions build on where they already stand.
Planetary accountability
Every institution is assessed on its responsibility to the planet, not just to its own students.
Global Network
Universities & UN organizations in our network
