BUT ranked among top 500 in international sustainability comparison

In the third edition of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 (QSS), Brno University of Technology (BUT) ranked 477th out of 1,743 published educational institutions. This places it among the top 27% of universities in the rankings. Among the twelve Czech representatives, BUT ranked fifth.

The moss logo of BUT, located at the Institute of Building Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, BUT. It was created by Professor Jan Pěnčík. | Autor: Jan Prokopius

The ranking evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities, not only as centers of education and research but also as significant employers. BUT appeared in the rankings for the second time – last year, it ranked in the 921st–940th position and was ninth among Czech institutions.

“I am very pleased with the achieved ranking because it reflects the systematic work that BUT does in the field of sustainability. This confirms that the university takes responsibility for a sustainable future seriously and respects global sustainability goals in its activities – education, research, and internal management and operations. As a leading technical university in the country, we perceive care for the environment not only as a key to ensuring quality of life but also as a technological challenge. Through education and research, we aim to contribute to sustainable technological solutions and the development of a culture and mindset of responsibility for the environment, climate, and quality of life on Earth,” said BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček in response to the results.

Evaluation Methodology

The QSS rankings are published by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds. It evaluates Environmental impact of universities at 45%, which includes results in education, research, and sustainability strategy.

Another 45% is assigned to Social impact, and 10% to Governance quality. BUT achieved its highest ranking in the Governance category, placing 253rd, putting it among the top 15% of institutions. In the Environmental Impact category, it ranked 415th, and in the Social Impact category, it was 712th.

Current results feed into the QS World University Rankings, which will be published next year, where they will have a 5% weight in the overall results.

This year, the University of Toronto ranked first, followed by ETH Zurich. Lund University and the University of California, Berkeley, shared third place. Among Czech universities, Masaryk University, Charles University, and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague performed best, placing among the top 300.

Sustainable Activities at BUT

BUT has completed a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, focused on four key university areas: education, research and creative activities, social roles, and university management and governance. The strategy includes clear visions, goals, and actions, including calculating the university’s carbon footprint.

In education, BUT is introducing new study programs and courses, including programs focusing on e-mobility and nuclear energy, which are crucial for the sustainable future of the Czech Republic.

In research, the focus is on technologies for a sustainable and secure life – from smart energy and energy storage to developing eco-friendly building materials and water and landscape protection.

In managing university property, emphasis is placed on energy efficiency, responsible purchasing, and sustainable operations.

The university is also strengthening its social role – offering continuing education, professional consulting, expert evaluations, and support for institutions and the public.