Since 2012, the idealistic student network Studenten voor Morgen (Students for Tomorrow) has made a sustainability ranking of higher education institutions, focusing on the topics of education, research, operations and best practices. The winner is awarded the SustainaBul.

This is the fourth time that Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences has topped the list. The institution, which has branches in Leeuwarden and Velp, also won in 2020, 2022 and 2023. A prize is also awarded for the best practices. This year, it was won by Radboud University Nijmegen for its ‘You are needed’ campaign, which encourages students to contribute to a more sustainable world.

TU/e drops no less than five spots this year, from fourth to ninth place. With this, the catch-up from last year - when the TU/e rose from seventh to fourth place - has disappeared again. However, achieving first place is not impossible. In fact, the TU/e achieved first place in 2018. 

The compilers of the rankings first search for information about sustainability, before asking the educational institutions for a reaction. With this information they then determine the final scores. 

Sustainability, as understood by the students, involves more than just action aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and preventing food waste. The topic of ‘social sustainability’ also covers diversity and inclusion.