Our goal is to reach net zero emissions by 2029
In 2022, Griffith accelerated its net zero target from 2050 to 2029 (based on defined emissions boundary). Reaching Griffith’s target of net zero emissions by 2029 will be driven by three key strategies:
- avoiding emissions
- reducing emissions
- generating and purchasing clean energy.
A greenhouse gas emissions boundary defines the emission sources that are included in an organisation's carbon inventory. Griffith University has defined its emissions boundary to include scope 1, scope 2 and partial scope 3 emissions. Scope 1 emissions refers to direct emissions that are largely due to our own vehicle fleet and fugitive refrigerant emissions; scope 2 emissions refers to indirect emissions from energy use; and scope 3 emissions refers to indirect emissions due to business travel, waste and supply chain. The University has chosen to include 15 scope 3 emissions categories based on the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard.
We are increasingly powering our campuses with clean, renewable energy through the installation of onsite solar and by purchasing energy from renewable sources. We are leaders in innovative energy research and partnerships and are implementing avoidance initiatives and energy efficiency projects to drive down our demand.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and committed to tackling global challenges around climate action.
Carbon Management Reports
Carbon Report 2023 Carbon Report 2022 Net Zero Sprint Report
Powering Griffith through clean, renewable energy
Clean energy on campus
Griffith University has signed an agreement with CS Energy, ensuring 50 percent of our offsite electricity needs will be provided by renewable power sources from 2023. This renewable power will be provided by the Columboola Solar Farm, between Chinchilla and Miles in the Western Downs region of Queensland.
We are also generating our own renewable energy onsite. Close to 900kW of renewable technology has already been installed across our campuses, through solar panel and wind turbine installations. A large number of additional solar installation projects will be delivered by 2025.
Sustainable buildings
Our buildings include the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre on the Nathan campus—a 6-star green star building powered by solar and hydrogen technologies, and the Gold Coast campus Multistorey carpark that features a 100kW solar array and a 10kW wind turbine.
Our Engineering, Technology and Aviation building, also at the Nathan campus, is an innovative new building considered a 'living laboratory', where more than 30 sensors relay information about the building's energy, water and structural performance in real-time to students, ready for use within their studies.
Reducing emissions
Reducing our energy demand
Griffith has implemented a range of efficiency projects, including LED lighting, building management system improvements and Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning initiatives.
Griffith’s computers are EPEAT gold rated, while our printers are energy efficient and go into sleep mode at the end of each day.
Data centre efficiency
The University's main data centre draws as much power as a small suburb. The University ensures that its data centre operations are efficient and sustainable by:
- reducing numbers of servers to minimise power usage—every new system and server installed is virtualised by default (some exceptions apply)
- purchasing energy efficiency servers—we use blade technology, which gives up to 20 percent greater efficiency
- incorporating efficient power and cooling infrastructure into all aspects of the data centre operations.
Aviation emissions reduction
Griffith has developed an aviation emissions reduction plan to avoid unnecessary emissions from air travel. Initiatives include:
- developing systems architecture including information dashboards and travel booking systems
- promoting and enabling online and hybrid event options
- developing tools to inform most appropriate travel choices
- communicating emissions reductions, costs savings and human benefits of reduced air travel
- investing in research on low carbon aviation
Sustainable Aviation Research
The Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) works closely with Griffith Aviation to lead the University’s research into sustainable, regenerative, and low-carbon technologies and opportunities for the aviation sector.
Avoiding emissions
Carbon sequestration on campus
Carbon sequestration is an important benefit of our forest ecosystems.
At Griffith, there are around 200 hectares of forest on our Gold Coast campus, while at Nathan and Mount Gravatt we’re nestled in, and custodians of, 175 hectares of Toohey Forest.
Preserving these areas of bushland is key to our ability to sequester carbon.
Energy research and innovation
Griffith Climate Action Beacon
Griffith's Climate Action Beacon uses interdisciplinary research and partnerships with government, business, industry, and communities to develop and implement collective climate action.
These unique collaborations provide the best chance of addressing climate change risks and opportunities for all.
Our new Research and Innovation Plan 2021–2025 sets the direction for Griffith to be recognised internationally as a university of impact and innovation.
Centre for Clean Environment and Energy
Griffith researchers from the science, engineering, economics, urban planning, environmental and social sectors are active in clean energy, climate adaptation and environmental research.
These research activities share common goals:
- to increase energy efficiency
- to reduce environmental impact
- to decrease energy costs
- to develop sustainable energy practices.
This research has informed the development and operation of a microgrid at Griffith.
The Centre for Applied Energy Economics
The Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research (CAEEPR) is a collaborative partnership between Griffith Business School and energy sector participants in Australia’s National Electricity Market.
CAEEPR aims to maximise the energy sector's potential to achieve emission reductions and contribute to inclusive, sustainable and prosperous businesses and communities while building capacity in the electricity economics and supporting renewable energy research.
Sustainable transport for staff and students
Griffith University encourages staff and students to use sustainable transport, including the University’s intercampus buses, cycling, walking, public transport or video conferencing.
Our Getting to and from campus plan outlines a travel ecosystem that will improve the experience of getting to and from our campuses for staff and students and nurture our campus environments.
Public transport and intercampus bus
All our campuses are serviced by public transport, which is managed by TransLink. The most efficient and cost-effective way to travel by public transport is to purchase a TransLink Go Card.
Our intercampus bus travels every 15 minutes between Nathan and Mt Gravatt campuses and the Student Guild Intercampus Bus travels between Gold Coast and Nathan campuses.
End-of-trip facilities
Cycling is a healthy and cost-effective way to get to campus. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion.
Bike racks and end-of-trip facilities are available across our campuses.
University vehicles
The University’s Fleet vehicle booking service includes the option to 'Share a Ride' with other colleagues. Visit the Fleet site, select the date and destination, match your travel requirements and contact the relevant driver. If travelling, schedule meetings and appointments to occur during the one trip.
Since July 2016, the University has taken delivery of 65 hybrid vehicles, nine electric utility carts and one electric vehicle, as part of a strategy to replace all conventional petrol cars in the pool fleet with more environmentally friendly alternatives. EV charging stations are available at Gold Coast and Nathan campuses. For more information about where to find charging stations and other transport options, please visit Transport and Parking.
Contact Griffith Sustainability
Griffith Sustainability Room 0.08, Building N23, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD, 4111