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 Creating a future for all - Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
Griffith is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability by:
- embedding the SDGs in teaching, research, and operations by 2025
- being ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for the implementation of the SDGs by 2025
- reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2029.
Griffith sustainability memberships
Griffith University is a signatory to the following:
- The United Nations Global Compact,
- The Sustainable Development Solutions Network Universities Commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Griffith is also a member of the following:
- The United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education,
- Future Earth Australia's Steering Committee,
- The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative - a community of UN Entities, university networks, student organisations and higher education institutions committed to advancing sustainable development,
- The Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability - an organisation committed to engage, empower, and support organisations tackle complex social, economic and environmental challenges,
- And as of 2023, the Association of Commonwealth Universities - collaborating with over 500 member universities in 50 countries across the Commonwealth, to build a better world through higher education.
Griffith Sustainability reports
Sustainability Team
The Sustainability Team at Griffith University works to integrate sustainable practices throughout our campus community. Through collaborative efforts with students, faculty, and staff, we aim to inspire positive change and promote sustainability in all aspects of university life.
The Sustainability Team works to enable the sustainability agenda and ambitions of Griffith University through:
Strategy, planning, and implementation - Developing, coordinating implementation of, and reporting against the Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, the Sustainability Operating Framework, and the associated plans, policies, and systems.
Communications and engagement - Implementing initiatives and activities, including behaviour change programs, that promote community and whole of university engagement with, and awareness of, the Sustainable Development Goals.
Rankings - Supporting high performance in global sustainability rankings (including QS Rankings for Sustainability and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings).
Environmental Sustainability Committee
The implementation of the University's goals relating to the environment is overseen by the Environmental Sustainability Committee, which represents all elements of the University.
Environmental Sustainability Committee co-chairs:
- Associate Professor Jennifer Boddy, Dean, Sustainable Development Goals Performance
- Mr Peter Bryant, Griffith University Chief Operating Officer
Get involved
Explore our campus initiatives, campaigns, and educational resources that support the Sustainable Development Goals.
Griffith ranks Highly
Please select Youtube Card(s)
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to protect the planet, end poverty, and improve the lives and prospects of all people.
In keeping with the University Strategic Plan to “utilise the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for articulating and measuring our impact”, Griffith University adopts the United Nations Brundtland Commission (1987) definition of sustainability that articulates the importance of balancing social, economic, and environmental priorities, so that we can “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
The United Nations SDGs are a reflection of our values and fundamental to fulfilling our University Strategic Plan to transform lives and add to human knowledge that benefits all.
The 17 SDGs provide an interconnected, flexible and unifying framework for achieving economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all. The Goals cover the themes of planet, people and prosperity, underpinned by the need for meaningful and effective partnerships to mobilise action. Our Sustainability Strategy outlines the actions we will take, in alignment with the SDGs, to achieve a more sustainable future.
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
Contact Griffith Sustainability
Griffith Sustainability Room 0.08, Building N23, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD, 4111