As a leader in environmental sustainability and social justice for nearly 50 years, our legacy continues to inspire us to create a better future for all

Griffith’s Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030 builds on the University 2020 - 2025 Strategic Plan and describes our initiatives that will contribute to a future that benefits all.

The Sustainability Strategy outlines our ambitions to deliver on the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across academic, operations, engagement, and governance, and contribute to healthier lives, thriving environments and resilient communities.

As the global community continues to address complex social and ecological challenges, we acknowledge the critical importance of taking ambitious action for a sustainable future.

Coloured wheel

Sustainable Development Goals

Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to advancing sustainable development through comprehensive initiatives that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all.

Griffith University is a values-based university, committed to reconciliation with First Peoples, environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and social justice

Griffith University campuses sit on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ unique relationship with, understanding and ongoing stewardship of these lands. Under the guidance of the Griffith University Elders and First Peoples Knowledge Holders Advisory Board we seek to ensure sustainability actions are aligned with First Peoples’s knowledges and cultural practices. Through collaboration with staff, students and community members we are committed to embedding Indigenous cultures and diverse knowledge systems in our learning and teaching, research, operations, and partnerships.

Sustainability Strategy

Griffith University’s Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030 builds on the University Strategic Plan and provides an overview of the initiatives that will contribute to a better future.

Realising the 2030 Agenda for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will only occur through deep and meaningful partnerships. Achieving our sustainability objectives requires collaboration across all elements of the organisation and in our communities.

Strategic Alignment

The Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030 guides Griffith’s immediate sustainability efforts in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and with our existing governance hierarchy and strategic direction to ensure we:

  • reach net zero by 2029
  • protect our unique biodiversity across our campuses
  • are ranked in the top 100 universities globally for Sustainable Development.

The Strategy outlines the ways in which we will embed the Sustainable Development Goals across our four key areas of core business: academic, operations, engagement, and governance.

Key Actions

Academic

In our Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, we have committed to:

  • Co-designing work-integrated learning curriculum and experiences that drive engagement with the SDGs, deliver practical educational experiences, and support collaboration with peers and industry to tackle global problems.
  • Co-creating SDG initiatives with students, alumni and staff to promote sustainability literacy and support interdisciplinary and collaborative conversations for sustainability.
  • Promoting Open Education Resources (OER).
  • Investing in research and partnerships that deliver positive social, economic and environmental impact for local and global communities.
  • Supporting staff to promote their research impact and align their work to the Sustainable Developments Goals through Griffith Experts, Research Impact and the SDG Files.

Operations

In our Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, we have committed to:

  • Developing a Climate Action Roadmap to deliver a positive future and meet our sustainability goals, including net zero emissions by 2029.
  • Monitoring and manage campus biodiversity and build community, staff and student engagement with our biodiversity conservation work.
  • Developing and implementing our water management plan to reduce consumption, protect natural waterways, and support healthy catchments.
  • Developing a waste management plan to measure. monitor and reduce our consumption, eliminate single use plastics, and promote a culture of avoid, reduce, recycle and reuse.
  • Prioritising First Nations and local and ethical suppliers as part of our procurement and anti-modern slavery policies.

Engagement

In our Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, we have committed to:

  • Developing one major partnership that delivers on a core sustainability target for Griffith’s social and/or environmental impact.
  • Supporting our ambition for an Athena SWAN silver award.
  • Expanding our sustainable Getting to and From Campus program across all campuses.

Governance

In our Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, we have committed to:

  • Introducing an ISO-14001 aligned environmental management system to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and best practice environmental management.
  • Investigating the development of a consolidated data repository within existing IT infrastructure to facilitate data-driven decision making and information sharing and reporting.

Academic

  • Co-design work-integrated learning curriculum and experiences that  drive engagement with the SDGs, deliver practical educational experiences, and support collaboration with peers and industry to tackle global problems
  • Co-create SDG initiatives with students, alumni and staff to promote sustainability literacy and support interdisciplinary and collaborative conversations for sustainability
  • Promote Open Education Resources (OER)
  • Invest in research and partnerships that deliver positive social, economic and environmental impact for local and global communities
  • Support staff to promote their research impact and align their work to the Sustainable Developments Goals through Griffith Experts, Research Impact and the SDG Files

Operations

  • Develop a Climate Action Roadmap to deliver a positive future and meet our sustainability goals, including net zero emissions by 2029
  • Monitor and manage campus biodiversity and build community, staff and student engagement with our biodiversity conservation work
  • Develop and implement our water management plan to reduce consumption, protect natural waterways, and support healthy catchments
  • Develop a waste management plan to measure. monitor and reduce our consumption, eliminate single use plastics, and promote a culture of avoid, reduce, recycle and reuse.
  • Prioritise First Nations and local and ethical suppliers as part of our procurement and anti-modern slavery policies.

Engagement

  • Develop one major partnership that delivers on a core sustainability target for Griffith’s social and/or environmental impact
  • Support our ambition for an Athena SWAN silver award
  • Expand our sustainable Getting to and From Campus program across all campuses

Governance

  • Introduce an ISO-14001 aligned environmental management system to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and best practice environmental management
  • Investigate developing a consolidated data repository within existing IT infrastructure to facilitate data-driven decision making and information sharing and reporting

Contact Griffith Sustainability

Griffith Sustainability Room 0.08, Building N23, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD, 4111