RMIT placed 1st globally for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), 3rd for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and 8th for Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).
THE Sustainability Impact Ratings assess universities based on their social, environmental, and economic contributions aligned with the 17 UN SDGs. The ratings consider research, university operations, resource management, teaching, partnerships, and community engagement to advance these goals.
RMIT also ranked 15th globally for Climate Action (SDG 13) and equal 67th for Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Overall, the University placed equal 63rd among 1,603 universities worldwide. Previously, RMIT ranked as high as 5th globally. As more universities strengthen their contributions to the SDGs, we are pleased to see that RMIT’s leadership continues to be recognised across various measures.
The education sector plays a vital role in tackling global sustainability challenges. RMIT embraces this responsibility and promotes the SDG agenda by integrating the goals into our strategies, plans, policies, and practices.
For the 2026 THE Sustainability Impact Ratings, THE assessed institutional data and evidence from the 2024 academic year. This included policies, programs, initiatives and research projects active during that year. Bibliometric research publication data from the five-year period from 2020 to 2024 also formed part of the evaluation.
#1 Worldwide: Clean Water and Sanitation
RMIT contributes to Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) through practical action across research, teaching, partnerships and campus operations. This includes reducing campus water use through efficiency measures, water harvesting and reuse.
The University also works with water authorities, governments and non-government organisations on practical solutions for water conservation, pollution prevention and more resilient water systems.
Examples include international projects using floating wetlands, green roofs and constructed wetlands to improve water treatment in Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. RMIT also partners with water industry organisations to trial technology that turns treated sewage and organic waste into biochar.
#3 Worldwide: Reducing Inequalities
RMIT’s work to Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10) brings together research, teaching, partnerships and practical initiatives to strengthen inclusion, diversity, equity and access.
Specific measures include achieving Platinum Status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index, securing a sixth consecutive Workplace Gender Equality Agency Employer of Choice citation, and being recognised as a Disability Confident Recruiter for the fourth year running.
Practical examples include anti-racism initiatives, support for students seeking asylum, partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to address employment barriers, and disability inclusion activities that promote access, belonging and pride through public art.
#8 Worldwide: Decent Work and Economic Growth
RMIT supports Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) through research, teaching, industry partnerships and community engagement, helping people build skills, prepare for work and access economic opportunities.
The University strengthens pathways between education, research and employment through industry-engaged research training, work integrated learning for students, workforce development partnerships and programs supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Practical examples include increased industry engagement for higher degree by research candidates, tailored digital courses for South East Water employees, and a partnership with Grampians Health and Cisco to upskill regional healthcare workers in digital capabilities.
For more information on RMIT’s performance against the SDGs, visit Sustainable Development Goals.
