Griffith University’s 2024 Sustainability Report marks a significant milestone in the University’s journey toward achieving its ambitious sustainability targets, aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Joining the international call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030, the 17 SDGs have shaped Griffith’s Sustainability Strategy 2023 – 2030 as evidenced by actions and impact.
Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said the Sustainability Report was an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of staff, students and partners who continued to drive innovation and impact in alignment with the UN SDGs.
“The sustainability report captures Griffith’s efforts to embed environmental, social and governance principles across every facet of university life including academic, operational, and community,” Professor Evans said.
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025, we remain steadfast in our aim to be a leading university of influence and impact in Australia and across the Asia–Pacific.”
Key achievements in 2024 included:
- Climbing 48 places since the 2023 round – Griffith ranked 24th worldwide in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 5th in Australia, and 1st in Queensland
- Griffith reduced emissions by six per cent in the previous financial year and 48 per cent since 2010
- Solar panels were installed across 11 buildings which reduced the University’s carbon emissions by 1,590 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year
- Griffith University received Gold Tier status for continued dedication to a safe and supportive culture for LGBTIQA+ staff and students in the 2024 Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI) LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards.
From grand scale projects to localised initiatives, Griffith projects are driving meaningful change, and 2024 highlights included:
SDG 2 Zero hunger
Griffith’s Green Library team earned Griffith’s Green Impact Platinum Award by promoting the Student Pantry and setting up collection points across campuses, and helping stock the pantry with free groceries for students in need.
SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
The ‘iKnow, weKnow’ project co-designed a toolbox for managing water and energy in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities. The project integrated digital and non-digital tools and won the Science Engagement category of the Falling Walls Global Call 2024.
SDG 10 Reduced inequalities
Inclusive Voices initiative empowered Australian organisations to enhance accessibility by harnessing the lived experiences of people with disability, and offering vital insights into navigating physical and digital spaces, products, and services.
SDG12 Responsible consumption and production
Griffith became the leading partner in the Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre, a 10-year, $140.6 million initiative which launched in 2024 to tackle Australia’s plastic waste crisis through industry-led collaboration that advanced product design, materials innovation, technology, and recycling solutions.
SDG 14 Life below water
A Griffith University study developed a method to predict humpback whale migration, aiding management in understanding route changes due to climate. The study focused on the southern migration of humpback whale mums and calves between the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast.
SDG15 Life on Land
The Social Marketing @ Griffith team led a koala conservation initiative in South East Queensland which reduced koala fatalities from dog attacks, increased reported koala sightings, and reduced the number of koalas struck by cars. The project was integrated into the Queensland Government’s Koala Conservation Strategy, engaged millions of people, and influenced broader conservation efforts.
The full Griffith University Sustainability Report 2024 can be viewed here.