Hungarian Universities in Sustainability Rankings: The Case of Budapest Metropolitan University

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive review of three major international university sustainability rankings—UI GreenMetric, THE Impact Ranking, and QS Sustainability Ranking— with a particular focus on the performance and participation of Hungarian higher education institutions. Among these, UI GreenMetric stands out for its historical continuity and impact, having consistently included two Hungarian universities, the University of Pécs and the University of Szeged, within its global top 100. The analysis reveals that participation in these rankings does not primarily reflect competitive dynamics among institutions; rather, it fosters the dissemination of sustainability best practices through collaborative efforts. One prominent example of such cooperation is the Hungarian Universities Sustainability Platform (MEFP), initiated in 2022. This platform exemplifies a strategic shift towards collective sustainability governance in Hungarian higher education, encouraging institutional partnerships and coordinated progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).