What is Green Impact?
Green Impact is an award-winning sustainability learning and awards global program designed to embed environmentally and socially sustainable practices within organisations. Developed by the National Union of Students (NUS) in the United Kingdom, over 1,500 organisations have participated in Green Impact to date, reaching more than 275,000 people across ten countries. In Australasia, the Green Impact program is supported by Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS).
Again in 2024, Griffith University is joining other universities and a growing number of organisations across Australia and New Zealand participating in Green Impact to empower staff and students to drive sustainability initiatives across our campuses.
Discover how you can join this vibrant community dedicated to making a positive impact and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing practical steps to create meaningful change right here on campus. Whether you're passionate about reducing waste, promoting biodiversity, or fostering a culture of sustainability, Green Impact offers opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a difference!
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to promoting access to affordable and clean energy and promoting sustainable, resilient cities and communities for the wellbeing of all.
There are two pathways to be involved with Green Impact
Getting started as a team is easy:
- Choose a team name, be as creative as you like!
- Nominate a team leader and register through the Green Impact Toolkit
- Once your team is registered, invite your peers to join your team
All staff at Griffith are encouraged to form a team in their area or department. Students can get involved by forming a team with their existing club or society.
As a team, you will have the benefits of:
- Collective efforts. Leading to more innovation and impact sustainability solutions.
- Enhanced motivation and enthusiasm for sustainability initiatives. Shared responsibility to earn team awards!
Want to be involved but don't have a team?
Green Impact Express is a streamlined program that empowers individuals to take tangible steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and fostering a greener environment.
The Express program is perfect for staff or students!
What is involved?
- Complete 10 sustainability actions crafted specifically for individuals.
- Earn your Green Impact Express Award as soon as you complete your 10 actions.
- Take the next step and join or create a team!
What is involved?
Act and commit
- Work with colleagues as part of a team, and
- choose from over 100 sustainable actions or,
- complete our Express Program for individuals
Be supported to make change
- Utilise our online toolkit for guidance, resources and to track your progress
- Support is provided from our team throughout the program
- Learn more through Green Bites
- Improve your sustainability literacy
Recognition and networking
- Be recognised for your efforts
- Every participating team receives an award
- Be in the running to win competitions
- Nominate colleagues and students (including yourself!) for special awards
- Be part of a network of sustainability Champions at Griffith and beyond!
Key dates for 2024
| Toolkit Opens | Thursday 7 March 2024 |
|---|---|
Online Launches & Demonstrations | Thursday 7 March at 10am Register here Tuesday 19 March at 1pm Register here |
| Toolkit closes | Friday 4 October |
| Student Audits | Tuesday 15 October |
| Awards Ceremony | Tuesday 29 October |
| New in 2024! | Monthly online Green Impact gatherings |
You can register to the Toolkit anytime between March and October 2024.
To join Green Impact, access the 2024 Toolkit below.
Student auditor
As a Student Auditor you have the opportunity to volunteer one full day, during which you will complete an online half-day training session before going on to audit 1–2 Green Impact teams. Register your interest by accessing the Form below.
Why become an auditor?
- Improve your understanding of the SDGs
- Gain direct auditing experience
- Receive a verified digital Green Impact Auditor credential
Green Impact Insights Newsletter
I am delighted to announce that Griffith University is continuing its bespoke Green Impact program in 2024, a United Nations award-winning program designed to support environmentally and socially sustainable practice in our organisation. Green Impact aligns with our Strategic Plan 2020-2025 Creating a Future for All. I invite staff and students to be involved, take action, have fun and build new relationships along the way!
Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice Chancellor and President
Griffith University
Congratulations to the 2023 Griffith Green Impact Winners!
Overall Winner
With 1372 points
Boronia and Tallowwood for Tomorrow
Ruth, Tracey, Melissa and Kaye
Special Commendation
With 1029 points
EXTerminators of Climate Change
Amanda, Ceaira, Diana and Simone. Other members Mirela, Amber, Catherine, Tom, Nicole and Mary - Beth
Staff Champion Nathan Campus
Melissa Bowers
Staff Champion Gold Coast Campus
Simone Smith
Staff Champion Logan Campus
Sharon Paterson
Student Champion
Hugo
Boronia and Tallowwood for Tomorrow
Engagement Innovators
Boronia and Tallowwood for Tomorrow
Ruth, Melissa, Kaye, Tracey
Engagement Innovators
Griffith Repair Café
Vincent, Clare, Leanne and Kanchana. Other members Elizabeth, Manolo, Yulia and Anna
Congratulations to the 2022 Griffith Green Impact Winners!
Overall Winner
With 815 points:
Boronia and Tallowwood Early Education and Care
Staff Champion
Ruth Simpkins from Boronia and Tallowwood Early Education and Care
Engagement Innovators (joint winners)
The Nightingales
Engagement Innovators (joint winners)
Creative Change Project (ARC Future Fellowship)
What Participants said
‘Green Impact provided a tool for us to audit and track our project's environmental impact and challenged us to further minimise our environmental impact and embody the social justice values espoused by our project.’
‘Green Impact has increased awareness of how to achieve the SDGs’
‘Participating in Green Impact provided a framework for important conversations about the First Nations' lands we live and work on, and opportunities to share stories about our families, homes and gardens.’
‘Professional development Ally, MATE and SDG events/training increased awareness and created a sense of shared commitments among team members.’ ‘
I proudly support Griffith’s vision around the SDGs’
‘The feeling of accomplishing something sustainable every day, feeling less overwhelmed with the issues, being proud of my workplace and feeling positive for the world!’
What Student Auditors said
‘It inspires me to start doing things for sustainability even just small little things, it matters’
‘Little things in our daily life matter’
Any questions?
Follow us on Facebook @GUSustainability
Contact the Sustainability Team at:
