Saint Mary’s University (SMU) has achieved a remarkable milestone as it climbed to Rank 406th out of 1,547 universities worldwide in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025. This reflects a significant rise from its 470th global placement in 2024, showcasing SMU’s strengthened commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and campus-wide green development.

SMU also achieved strong continental, national, and regional placements in the 2025 cycle:

230th out of 864 universities in Asia, 11th out of 89 participating universities in the Philippines, 1st out of 6 participating universities in Region 2, reaffirming its leadership in sustainability in the Cagayan Valley region.

The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, established by Universitas Indonesia, is the first and largest global sustainability ranking for higher education institutions. For 2025, 1,547 universities from 93 countries were evaluated across six key indicators:

1. Setting & Infrastructure (SI)– campus master planning, open spaces, green facilities

2. Energy & Climate Change (EC)– renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon reduction

3. Waste (WS)– solid waste, hazardous waste, recycling, waste reduction

4. Water (WR)– water conservation, management systems, efficiency practices

5. Transportation (TR)– sustainable mobility, low-emission transportation, pedestrian- and bike-friendly campus

6. Education & Research (ED)– sustainability-related courses, research output, publications, and community engagement.

SMU’s upward leap of 64 global ranks reflects the university’s expanding greening programs, sustainability-oriented projects, strengthened waste management systems, research initiatives, and the integration of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into instruction and outreach activities.

This achievement strongly supports the administration’s priorities under the President’s Thrusts and the University’s Strategic Directions, particularly:

Mission and Identity– embodying Marian values through responsible care for creation and community-oriented sustainability initiatives

Academic Excellence– enhancing curriculum, instruction, and community engagement through sustainability integration

Research and Innovation– expanding environment-related research, green technologies, and data-driven decision-making

Institutional Sustainability– strengthening environmental stewardship, optimizing resources, and developing a resilient and future-ready campus

Academic & Non-academic Personnel, Students, and Infrastructure Development–advancing capacity-building, personnel empowerment, student involvement, and
infrastructure enhancements that support sustainable campus operations

National and International Presence– increasing SMU’s visibility and competitiveness in global sustainability rankings and fostering international collaboration SMU’s improved standing in the UI GreenMetric 2025 Rankings reflects the unified effort of administrators, faculty members, students, and staff who work collectively toward a greener, more sustainable university community.

With its improved global, Asian, national, and regional rankings, Saint Mary’s University reaffirms its commitment and dedicated to building a sustainable future for the community and the world.

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 – Climate Action
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Written by: Dr. Elsa L. Cajucom, CNS Director
Pubmat by: Cherrielyn Suyod, SHANS PIO Coordinator