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A side angle view of the front of the Royal College of Music with trees, greenery and lampposts obscuring the building

Royal College of Music ranked first in People & Planet’s University League Table

Thursday 8 January 2026

The Royal College of Music has been ranked the top conservatoire for sustainability in People & Planet’s University League Table for the fourth-year running, as well as the No. 3 university with fewer than 5000 students. 

People & Planet’s University League is the only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance. Published annually, the league table ranks universities against 14 criteria linked to climate and social justice such as policy and strategy, waste and recycling, and carbon reduction.  

The Royal College of Music scored highly in many areas, especially for environmental auditing and management systems, ethical careers, education for sustainable development, and staff and student engagement. The success reflects the RCM’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for music and music education and the work of all our staff, students and the wider community to meet our sustainability goals.  

The College is on track to reach its goal of becoming carbon net zero by 2035, having undertaken several upgrades to improve the efficiency of its buildings, as well as committing to sustainable procurement. The RCM’s annual Green Week is a key point in the year for staff and students to get involved with sustainable initiatives, with a range of activities including free bicycle maintenance, drop-in sessions with the RCM’s Director of Estates, explorations of eco-music and more.   

Aida Berhamovic, Director of Estates, commented: ‘I am pleased to see that the Royal College of Music has once again secured its spot as the top conservatoire in the People and Planet League table. We are proud of this accomplishment which highlights our continuous commitment to environmental and social sustainability. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our staff, students, and the whole community, all of whom actively participate in sustainability efforts at the RCM.’