Griffith University is committed to following IPCC recommendations
The IPCC calls for transformative change across all aspects of society, to rapidly decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Griffith University has a role in leading this transformation through our research, learning, engagement and operational activities.
Recognising the need for urgent climate action, and the critical role universities play in the transition to a climate positive future, Griffith University incorporates three pillars for priority action:
1
Carbon emissions reduction towards the objective of net zero emissions by 2029 (scope 1, 2 and partial scope 3).
2
Coordinated climate knowledge sharing and empowerment across the University’s teaching, research, operational and engagement portfolios.
3
A climate resilient university by mitigating and adapting to key physical and transition risks applicable to Griffith, while ensuring an agile and adaptive approach that seeks to minimise the risk of maladaptation.
At Griffith, we have worked with government and community groups to establish our three pillars for priority action.
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.
Race to Zero
Griffith is a current signatory to the Race to Zero, a global initiative for a Zero Carbon World.
Climate plans and annual carbon management reports
Through the development of a Climate Action Plan, Griffith University, via its Sustainability Strategy 2023, has committed to delivering a climate positive future.
Griffith University works with its experts, local government and community groups on its climate action planning and implementation. Griffith’s many climate experts have ongoing input on the university’s Climate Action Plan to ensure it reflects the latest research and positions us above world’s best practice. We are engaging with governments and community on the implementation of our plans via, for example, the Queensland Decarbonisation Hub and the activities of the Climate Ready Initiative.
In 2012, the University developed its first Carbon Management Plan, updated in 2019 to align with IPCC recommendations to halve 2010 carbon emissions by 2030 and reach zero by 2050. In 2023, the target was accelerated to achieve net zero emissions by 2029, responding to the IPCC’s sixth report and Australia's new goal of a 43% reduction in 2005 emissions by 2030.
Griffith University annual carbon management reports describe our processes, including an overview of the institution's carbon emissions footprint and outlines its operational carbon dioxide emissions targets. The documents include year-on-year performance comparisons for the reporting period, benchmarks against the higher education sector (TEFMA), and detailed assessments of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.
Key energy efficiency projects are highlighted, and the reports discuss our strategies for managing emissions related to flights and waste, as part of the broader pathway to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2029. Additional details are provided in appendices, covering historical emissions data and specific breakdowns of aviation and Scope 3 emissions.
Contact Griffith Sustainability
Griffith Sustainability Room 0.08, Building N23, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD, 4111