Centrale Nantes ranks in the top 10 engineering schools most committed to transition, compiled by Les Echos START and ChangeNOW

Les Echos START and ChangeNOW joined forces in 2021 to produce an annual ranking of schools and universities, using an approach based on the challenges of environmental and social transition. 

This ranking highlights schools that actively prepare their students to meet the challenges of tomorrow, based on key criteria:

• Integration of environmental and social issues into educational programmes
• A network of alumni committed to the impact sector
• Forward-looking governance and CSR strategy
• Diversity and equal opportunities for greater inclusion
• Student associations' involvement in impact projects
• Employability and academic excellence

Centrale Nantes is ranked 7th out of 23 engineering schools in France. 

This place confirms the school's commitment and exemplarity in terms of sustainable development, in terms of its own impact, its research and training missions, and its relations with its partners. 

Learn more: full ranking and methodology

Sustainable development and social responsibility at Centrale Nantes

Centrale Nantes' sustainable development action plan sets out objectives in terms of governance, teaching and training, research, environmental management, social impact and local communities in the 3 areas of sustainable development and CSR: environmental, social and societal.

More than 80% of the actions in the 2021–2025 master plan have been implemented, demonstrating the school's tangible commitment. Centrale Nantes has developed a new Master plan for 2030 which expands on its ambitions, with 80 actions structured around six focus areas, was approved unanimously by the Board of Governors on 26 June 2025. It aims to align all academic programmes with the school’s strategic positioning on contributing effectively to sustainable development.

Learn more about Sustainable Development at Centrale Nantes