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!

7 Affordable and clean energy 11 Sustainable cities and communities

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:

  1. Choose a team name, be as creative as you like!
  2. Nominate a team leader and register through the Green Impact Toolkit
  3. 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!

Join Green Impact

Register to the Green Impact Program through the 2024 Toolkit.

What is involved?

hand picking a notice saying 'reusable bags when shopping' out of a suggestion box labelled 'act'

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
hand scrolling on a tablet

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 OpensThursday 7 March 2024

Online Launches & Demonstrations

Thursday 7 March at 10am Register here

Tuesday 19 March at 1pm Register here

Toolkit closesFriday 4 October
Student AuditsTuesday 15 October
Awards CeremonyTuesday 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

Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice Chancellor and PresidentI 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

signature of Professor Carolyn Evans

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 Brisbane South (Nathan)

Melissa Bowers

Staff Champion Gold Coast

Simone Smith

Staff Champion Logan

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!

Boronia Tallowwood EEC Garden

Overall Winner

With 815 points:

Boronia and Tallowwood Early Education and Care

Ruth Simpkins

Staff Champion

Ruth Simpkins from Boronia and Tallowwood Early Education and Care

The Nightingales

Engagement Innovators (joint winners)

The Nightingales

Creative Change ARC

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:

SDG

Griffith is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.