York University has ranked first among Canadian universities for the second year in a row in a global campus sustainability survey.

The Toronto university was 14th in the world among participating universities from 42 countries in the 2011 UI GreenMetric Ranking of World Universities.

The ranking is based on criteria such as energy consumption, commuting practices, waste and water management, green space on campus, and the application of eco-sustainability policies and efforts.

The University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom placed first overall in the ranking.

Northeastern University and the University of Connecticut from the U.S. placed second and third.

York is the third largest university in the country, with 55,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff.

"York University continues to strive to be at the forefront of sustainability strategies," said York president Mamdouh Shoukri.

From 2006 to 2011, York says it has met or bettered its sustainability targets, while increasing enrolment and adding new buildings.

"This is testament to the excellent work of students, faculty and staff on sustainability issues," said Prof. Ilan Kapoor.