Climbs to 9th Place Among Iranian Universities in UI GreenMetric 2026 Ranking

Dr. Marzieh Saghebjoo, Vice-President for Research, Technology and Innovation at Birjand University, announced the result. “This improvement reflects the university’s steady progress in sustainable development,” she said. “It shows the continuous efforts of the entire university community to strengthen green management, optimise resource use and enhance environmental performance.”

The university also improved its global standing, moving from 888th in 2025 to 854th in 2026. In Asia, it climbed 25 places, from 526th to 501st. These gains highlight better performance at national, regional and international levels in sustainability.

UI GreenMetric is an international ranking system that evaluates universities on sustainable development, green management and environmental performance. Assessment covers infrastructure and green spaces, energy and climate change, waste management, water management, transportation, education and research, as well as governance and digitalisation.

Dr. Saghebjoo noted that the rise from 19th to 9th among Iranian universities goes beyond a simple ranking change. It reflects concrete actions across the university to improve infrastructure, manage resources more efficiently, boost energy efficiency, strengthen water and waste management, expand sustainable transport and advance education and research linked to sustainability.

She also credited the contribution of the university community. “This success results from the cooperation of different parts of the university and the efforts of managers, faculty members, staff and students toward the university’s goals in sustainable development and green management,” she said. “Maintaining and further improving this position will require continued collaboration and targeted programmes to optimise resource use, develop sustainable infrastructure and strengthen related educational and research activities.”