We are committed to a robust, equitable and environmentally sustainable society
Since our inception, Griffith University has been a leader in sustainability through our ongoing commitment to the environment and to social justice. Sustainability is one of our core values and a key initiative of the 2020–2025 Strategic Plan–Creating a Future for All.
Griffith University is signatory to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact and in 2017, signed up to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network—Universities’ Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By 2025, our commitment to and continuous improvement in sustainability will be achieved by:
- embedding the SDGs in teaching, research, and operations
- being ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for the implementation of the SDGs
- halving carbon emissions by 2030, with the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Griffith ranks Highly
Times Higher Ed SDG Impact Rankings
Griffith is currently ranked 38th in the world for the Times Higher Education SDG Impact Rankings.
Our results place us in the global top 100 in four specific SDGs, including three in the top 20:
- Top 10—SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Top 20—SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Top 100—SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Our achievements have also been recognised by the Green Gown Awards Australasia 2013–2014 and 2016–2018.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Sustainability includes economic, social and environmental issues. In 2015, the United Nations defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—17 areas where action is urgently needed to improve life for everyone, everywhere.
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Ensure availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all
Ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth through fair and productive employment and decent work opportunities for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
Reduce inequalities based on age, gender, ability, ethnicity, income and faith
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Strengthen international cooperation and revitalise global partnerships for sustainable development
Sustainability Sub-committee
The implementation of these goals in University operations is overseen by the Sustainability Sub-Committee, which represents all elements of the University.
Sub-Committee co-chairs:
- Professor Brendan Mackey, Director, Griffith Climate Action Beacon
- Mr Peter Bryant, Griffith University Chief Operating Officer
Get involved
Sustainability Week
Each year Griffith highlights sustainability awareness, achievements and goals during Sustainability Week.
Green Impact program
Green Impact is a fun and social program designed to empower staff and students to make sustainability changes. You can form a team, and work together to undertake sustainability actions, big and small.
Keep an eye out for more details as we start to roll out this international initiative.
Contact us
Griffith Sustainability Room 0.08, Building N23, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD, 4111