Griffith University has a strong teaching, research and engagement focus on climate change.
The future provision of climate change relevant education and research has been identified as key financial and reputational considerations to the University’s business model in the Baseline Climate Risk Assessment.
Griffth University was the first Australian university to offer an Environmental Science degree in 1975. Its environmental and sustainability degrees and courses enable students to investigate issues in land and water sustainability, renewable energy, energy conservation, carbon capture and emission management, sustainable building design, urban planning, environmental law and much more. Through additional education and engagement programs aimed at both students and staff, the university strives to empower its community with the tools to drive climate action and effect positive change towards a more sustainable future.
Griffith University continues to be a leader in climate research and action plays a significant role in advancing global climate science.
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.
Action areas
The pathway towards enhancing climate knowledge exchange and empowerment employs 5 key actions:
| Pillar | Action area | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Knowledge Exchange and Empowerment | Student and staff climate literacy | Develop staff and student engagement programmes |
| Provide climate related degrees, certificates, and courses | ||
| Provide opportunities for students to learn about climate change within their degrees | ||
| Research engagement and translation | Invest in climate action and collaboration as an area of research strength (global and national) | |
| Develop community education and campaigns |
Energy research and innovation
Griffith was the first Australian university to offer an Environmental Science degree in 1975 and continues to be a leader in climate research and action. Our world-class researchers work in collaboration with industry, government and the community to tackle global challenges.
Griffith Climate Action Beacon
Griffith's Climate Action Beacon uses interdisciplinary research and partnerships with government, business, industry, and communities to develop and implement collective climate action.
These unique collaborations provide the best chance of addressing climate change risks and opportunities for all.
Sustainable Aviation Research
The Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) works closely with Griffith Aviation to lead the University’s research into sustainable, regenerative, and low-carbon technologies and opportunities for the aviation sector.
Centre for Clean Environment and Energy
Griffith researchers from the science, engineering, economics, urban planning, environmental and social sectors are active in clean energy, climate adaptation and environmental research.
These research activities share common goals to:
- increase energy efficiency
- develop sustainable energy practices
- reduce environmental impact
- decrease energy costs
This research has informed the development and operation of a microgrid at Griffith.
The Centre for Applied Energy Economics
The Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research (CAEEPR) is a collaborative partnership between Griffith Business School and energy sector participants in Australia’s National Electricity Market.
CAEEPR aims to maximise the energy sector's potential to achieve emission reductions and contribute to inclusive, sustainable and prosperous businesses and communities while building capacity in the electricity economics and supporting renewable energy research.
Contact Griffith Sustainability
Griffith Sustainability Room 0.08, Building N23, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD, 4111