Four universities in Hong Kong have finished in the top 100 of a global ranking by a British-based publication that measures institutions' efforts in sustainability.

The annual Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess the performance of universities in four key areas – research, stewardship, outreach and teaching – in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The top three universities in this year's rankings are Western Sydney University in Australia, the United Kingdom's University of Manchester and Kyungpook National University in South Korea.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) comes in at 19th, unchanged from last year and once again the top institution in the SAR.

"This recognition underscores HKUST's dedication to integrating sustainability into our research, education and operations," said vice-president for administration and business Tam Kar-yan.

Polytechnic University (PolyU) has climbed to 56th place after finishing 77th last year, with president Teng Jin-guang saying the rankings affirm the institution's internationally recognised efforts in promoting sustainable development.

"PolyU will continue to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and promote global sustainable development that contributes to the advancement of Hong Kong, the nation and the world," he said.

Baptist University is in the top 100 after rising to number 69. A spokesperson said the result "will serve as a benchmark for the university's continuous commitment to enhancing its teaching, learning and research endeavours".

Chinese University, however, is the only one in Hong Kong that has fallen in the rankings, down to 71st place from 44th last year.

A spokesperson said the university is still among the top 50 in five indicators such as "quality education".

Lingnan University has achieved the number one position for "quality education" – the first higher education institution in the SAR to reach the top spot.

University president Joe Qin called the result an "outstanding achievement".

"Being No 1 in the world for quality education confirms Lingnan's unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier education on a global scale," Qin said.

"It also highlights Lingnan's dedication to fostering lifelong learning opportunities across diverse sectors of society through innovative teaching, effective knowledge transfer and active community engagement."