The Knowledge and Development Foundation (CYD) has published the first ranking dedicated exclusively to the social and environmental commitment dimensions of the Spanish university system.
The report, which analyzes the performance of 73 universities through 16 quantitative indicators, offers a detailed overview of how higher education institutions are integrating sustainability into their management, infrastructure, and institutional culture.
“This ranking represents a relevant benchmarking tool, with a structured and objective approach,” explains Ángela Mediavilla, technical manager of the CYD Foundation.
Leading universities in sustainability
The institutions most notable for their environmental and social commitment are:
- Universitat de València – Estudi General
- Universitat de Girona
- Universidad de Málaga
- Universidad de Almería
- Universidad de Salamanca
- Universidad de Sevilla
- Universidad de Vigo
- Universidad de Alicante
- Universidad de Granada
- Universidad de Jaén
Additionally, the study includes an online search engine with 316 initiatives promoted by 70 universities, in areas such as equality, inclusion, health, social action, and environmental sustainability.
Energy, water, and waste: towards responsible management
- 93.15% of universities use renewable energies, predominantly photovoltaic solar (87.67%)
- 94.52% promote conscious water use, with measures such as efficient faucets (86.30%) and dual-flush toilets (73.97%)
- 100% of public universities and 93.10% of private ones have recycling programs
- 84.93% apply strategies to reduce paper and plastic use
Universities generate annually 129,931 kilos of organic matter and 60,152 kilos of paper and cardboard, reinforcing the need for active waste management policies.
Energy efficiency and sustainable mobility
- 89.04% have implemented LED lighting
- 86.30% renewed their air conditioning systems
- 91.78% have strategic energy consumption plans
- 90.41% promote sustainable transport, with parking for bicycles and scooters, bike lanes, and free bicycle services in more than 53% of public universities
Additionally, 67.12% have charging stations for electric vehicles, consolidating an infrastructure compatible with the energy transition.
Education and research against climate change
- 70% offer elective courses on climate change
- 53.42% have specialized research centers
The CYD Ranking of sustainable universities demonstrates that sustainability is already part of the institutional DNA of most Spanish universities.
With active policies in energy, water, waste, mobility, and education, the university system is moving towards a more efficient, inclusive, and resilient model, aligned with the social and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
