Measuring Impact
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) is a framework to measure sustainability performance. A common set of measurements allows institutions to compare sustainability progress over time.
In 2025 Western received a Gold STARS rating for the fourth time in a row, measuring performance in more than 110 areas. Western has participated in this international reporting since 2011, and has achieved Gold status since 2014.
The most recent submission marks Western's highest score to date. Read more about our recent report on Western News.
Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The 2025 Impact Rankings is the seventh edition of these global rankings. Over 2,500 universities around the world were assessed this year, up from 18 percent since 2024.
In 2025, Western University has tied for third nationally and 14th overall. Learn more about Western's work towards the UN SDGs here.
QS Sustainability Rankings
The QS World University Rankings offer a comprehensive and unique way to evaluate how universities are responding to major global environmental, social, and governance challenges.
In 2026, Western maintained its position among the top one percent of universities globally and ranked fourth nationally. Overall, a global score of 95.8 was achieved as Western is advancing solutions to society's most pressing environmental challenges through cutting-edge research, collaborative partnerships, and campus-wide action.
Read the Western News story to learn more.
Awards & Recognition
Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council Leadership Award (2025)
Western University continues to be recognized as a leader in campus sustainability, earning the 2025 Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) Leadership Award for Overall Program for its comprehensive Sustainable Procurement Program. This distinction reflects Western’s ongoing commitment to embedding environmental, social, and ethical responsibility into every purchasing decision, supported by robust sourcing strategies, supplier engagement, and staff training. The SPLC commended Western for its exceptional innovation and impact in integrating sustainability into core procurement practices, positioning the university as a model for institutions across the sector.
Read the Western News story to learn more.
Federal funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada supports new electric boilers on campus (2023)
Western is installing two new electric boilers at the Power Plant to generate steam and reduce the university's carbon emissions. This $18 million project is supported with $4.75 million from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Decarbonization Incentive Program, and is a key step toward Western's net-zero goals and will produce approximately 40% of the campus's steam requirements.
Read the Western News story to learn more.
Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education’s Desire2Learn Innovation Award for Connecting for Climate Change Action course (2023)
The Connecting for Climate Change Action course earned national recognition, receiving one of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education’s D2L Innovation in Teaching and Learning Awards. Developed by a 16‑member interdisciplinary team, the course was created in response to growing student anxiety about the impacts of climate change and reimagines climate education through applied learning, storytelling, and a blend of Indigenous knowledge and Eurowestern science. This award highlights Western’s leadership in innovative, action‑oriented teaching that empowers learners to engage meaningfully in one of the most urgent global challenges.
Read the Western News story to learn more.
Green Building Excellence Award for Amit Chakma Engineering Building (2019)
The Amit Chakma Engineering Building was recognized for “making a difference” in Canada’s green building industry, earning the Green Building Excellence Award for New Construction from the Canada Green Building Council. Dedicated in 2018, this 9,400‑square‑metre multi‑use facility is Western’s 13th LEED‑certified project and reflects the university’s commitment to creating innovative, sustainable spaces that support learning and research. The award celebrates Western’s leadership in advancing high‑performance, environmentally responsible design across campus.
Bee City Canada Designation (2018)
In 2018, Western became the first university in Canada to become a Bee City Campus. The designation recognizes communities that establish healthy pollinator habitats and communicate their importance with the community.
Learn more about Western's Bee Campus designation here.
Western Designated Canada's 11th Fair Trade Campus (2016)
On January 20, 2016, Western was officially recognized as a Fair Trade Campus, the 11th campus in Canada.
Learn more about Sustainable Food at Western here.
