Tec retains regional leadership status in 2026 sustainability ratings

Tec de Monterrey is the #1 university in Mexico and Latin America in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, which measure how higher education institutions contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This year’s edition assessed 1,603 universities from across the globe on their actions regarding combating poverty, education, equality, access to water, clean energy, climate action, and sustainable development. 

Within this global context, the Tec retains its position in the 101-200 band. 

“At Tecnológico de Monterrey, we see research as a catalyst for change. It generates knowledge, sparks innovation, and contributes to sustainable development”, said Javier Guzmán, Vice President of Research for the Tecnológico de Monterrey Education Group. 

“This recognition reflects our institutional commitment to designing solutions for the most pressing challenges facing our region and the world”. he added. 

In addition to retaining its position among the world’s top institutions in the overall rankings, Tecnológico de Monterrey outperforms the global average on 15 of the 17 SDGs and is ranked in the top 25% of universities worldwide. 

What’s more, the institution ranks in the global Top 100 across 5 SDGs, thanks to the institution’s initiatives in research, teaching, responsible operations, and community engagement: 

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger, 73rd place worldwide. 

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, 66th place worldwide. 

• SDG 13: Climate Action, 83rd place worldwide. 

• SDG 15: Life on Land, 89th place worldwide. 

• SDG 1: No Poverty, 100th place worldwide. 

According to Paola Visconti, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact at Tecnológico de Monterrey, this achievement demonstrates an institutional vision that treats sustainable development as a shared responsibility across the entire university. 

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to incorporating sustainable development into our priorities, partnerships, and maximizing the impact of our educational purpose”.  

Visconti said that, over the years, Tec has embedded these principles into student development, social impact-driven knowledge generation, responsible operations management, and societal collaboration.  

“We’ve also promoted initiatives that broaden access to learning and career opportunities, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society”, she shared. 

The 2026 edition marked a major milestone in the trajectory of this international assessment. 

Times Higher Education has transitioned its rankings into a ratings model aimed at offering a broader view of university sustainability performance. 

Although the Sustainability Impact Ratings continue to show performance bands and SDG-specific and overall assessments, the new approach seeks to prioritize institutional impact over competitive rivalry. 

What’s more, the methodology has incorporated important adjustments, including using artificial intelligence tools for evidence review, reducing the qualitative evidence required per indicator, and core evaluation criteria adjustments. 

The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings assesses university contributions toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals using indicators distributed across four main areas: 

• Research 

• Stewardship 

• Outreach 

• Teaching 

To participate, institutions must submit mandatory evidence for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, plus at least three additional SDGs of their choice. 

Each goal is evaluated independently, and then an overall score is calculated based on the SDG 17 result and the university’s best three performing SDGs. 

The evaluation process relies on data from the most recent academic cycle submitted by the participating institutions. 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. 

The SDGs include:  

1. No Poverty 

2. Zero Hunger 

3. Good Health and Wellbeing 

4. Quality Education 

5. Gender Equality 

6. Clean Water and Sanitation 

7. Affordable and Clean Energy 

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure 

10. Reduced Inequalities 

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities 

12. Responsible Production and Consumption 

13. Climate Action 

14. Life Below Water 

15. Life on Land 

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals  

Times Higher Education (THE) is a London-based evaluation firm that reports on news and issues relating to higher education. 

It publishes the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the BRICS & Emerging Economies Rankings, the Asia University Rankings, the World Reputation Rankings, the Global Employability Rankings, the 150 Under 50 Rankings and the Latin America University Rankings.