MapSDG – Streamlining SDG Impact in Higher Education
In today’s competitive academic landscape, visibility is as important as impact. For Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) aiming to feature on the global stage, particularly in QS Stars and QS Sustainability Rankings, the question is no longer “Are we doing enough?” — but rather, “Are we showing it effectively?”
This blog unpacks how global rankings measure your SDG efforts — specifically SDG 9 (Innovation & Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) — and how platforms like MapSDG can help Indian colleges bridge the visibility gap.
The Global Benchmark: QS Rankings and SDGs
The QS Sustainability Rankings and QS Stars evaluation frameworks now include SDG alignment and environmental impact as key scoring metrics. Institutions are rated on how well they contribute to:
- Research & Innovation (SDG 9)
- Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Community Engagement
- Student Involvement & Reporting Transparency
Unfortunately, many Indian institutions fall short — not for lack of action, but due to under-reporting, fragmented documentation, and low digital visibility.
What QS Looks For
Let’s break it down:
| QS Ranking Area | Linked SDG | What They Evaluate | Weight/Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovation | SDG 9 | Patents, partnerships, applied research, incubators | Research and Development in QS Stars |
| Climate Action | SDG 13 | Carbon reduction strategies, green campus projects, student campaigns, climate curriculum | Sustainability score in QS Rankings |
| Public Engagement | All SDGs | Outreach, student clubs, impact reporting | Reputation & Global Footprint |
Most HEIs already run activities like green drives, startup cells, and sustainability seminars — but these efforts are rarely mapped to SDGs or featured in global reporting.
Where Indian Institutions Fall Behind
- No centralized event tracking tied to SDGs
- Lack of quantifiable data for rankings submissions
- Missed opportunities in international perception and benchmarking
- Minimal online visibility for sustainability efforts
Enter MapSDG: Turning Actions into Global Recognition
MapSDG enables colleges to not just execute, but capture, tag, and showcase their SDG-aligned efforts with precision. Here’s how:
1. Activity Mapping by SDG
All campus events—green audits, student innovation fests, climate bootcamps—can be aligned to SDG 9 or SDG 13 through a guided tagging process.
2. Data Dashboards & Reports
Institutions get real-time insights on:
- SDG-specific events
- Faculty/student participation
- CO2 offset estimates
- Innovation impact metrics
3. Global-Ready Documentation
Exportable reports and dashboards that align with QS Stars, QS I-Gauge, THE Impact Rankings, and NIRF documentation formats.
4. Public Visibility Integration
MapSDG can link impact reports to institutional websites, social media, and QS submissions—enhancing digital discoverability.
Case in Point
A private university in Tamil Nadu documented 37 climate-related and 19 innovation-focused activities in a single year. By aligning them with SDG 13 and SDG 9 and publishing insights, they saw:
- 40% increase in web visibility of sustainability efforts
- Inclusion in the QS Stars audit process for “Environmental Impact”
- Enhanced perception among international partners
Action Plan for Indian HEIs
Step 1: Map every innovation cell event, green initiative, or climate drive to the relevant SDG using MapSDG
Step 2: Use MapSDG dashboards to feed into QS ranking applications and your internationalisation pitch deck
Step 3: Showcase your SDG performance across your digital platforms for global visibility
Final Thought: Think Global, Track Local
Global rankings no longer assess institutions only on academic prowess—they measure relevance, responsibility, and sustainability. Indian HEIs are rich in innovation and social outreach. It’s time to showcase that impact globally—with the right tracking, mapping, and storytelling.
Ready to align your campus with global ranking benchmarks? Make your SDG impact visible to the world.
