De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has been named highly commended in the International Green Gown Awards 2026, placing it as runner-up for the world's best sustainability institution.

The news comes days after that DMU was shortlisted for Times Higher Education's University of the Year 2026 award, capping a standout few days for the university's national and international standing. 

Led by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), the Green Gown Awards recognise higher education institutions making a real and measurable impact on environmental and social challenges around the world. 

In a crowded field competing for the main title, DMU was the joint second-highest placed university in the world in the Sustainability Institution of the Year category, building on its success at the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards 2025, where it won the over title in the same category.

Professor Simon Oldroyd, Pro Vice-Chancellor Sustainability, said: "To be recognised as the joint second-best sustainability institution anywhere in the world is a tremendous achievement, and a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by staff and students across DMU. 

"Having topped the table in the UK and Ireland last year, to now stand at the top of the global rankings shows the strength and consistency of our approach. This recognition belongs to everyone at DMU who has helped embed sustainability into the way we teach, research and run our campuses." 

The nomination looked at the work DMU has done to promote and embed sustainability across not only its Leicester campus, but internationally too. Since 2018, DMU has worked closely with the United Nations to embed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the university, bringing together leadership, staff and students to drive coordinated action on sustainability. 

DMU is currently the UN Academic Impact SDG Hub for Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, having previously led the hub for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. In this role, it works with an international network of partners on major urban challenges, including affordable housing, air pollution, clean water, sanitation and renewable energy. 

The International Green Gown Awards winners were announced at an annual ceremony bringing together finalists from around the world, both in person and virtually, to celebrate global leadership in sustainability. 

Posted on Monday 14 September 2026