Griffith Ranked #1 in Australia for Sustainability Impact

9 July 2026

Griffith University has achieved an extraordinary milestone, ranking equal second in the world and number one in Australia in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings.

Griffith University buildings at sunset
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Evaluating universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the newly relaunched ratings highlight Griffith’s long-term commitment to global sustainability, marking a steady rise from its equal-fourth global position in the previous cycle.

Global and National Highlights

  • Griffith rocketed from 4th place in 2025 to equal first globally for SDG 14: Life Below Water.
  •  The university claimed the top spot nationwide across four distinct SDGs:
    • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
    • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • SDG 14: Life Below Water
    • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Key Initiatives Driving Griffith’s Impact
Griffith’s historic ranking is backed by tangible, real-world initiatives across its campuses and research sectors:

  • Protecting Marine Life: Implementation of an Integrated Water Management Plan designed to safeguard downstream waterways and marine ecosystems.
  • Renewable Energy Innovation: A landmark study proving Queensland could generate enough renewable biomethane annually to meet 73% of the state’s gas demand.
  • Wildlife Conservation: A specialized nest box program providing vital habitats for native species—including possums, gliders, and the endangered powerful owl—across the Brisbane South, Logan, and Gold Coast campuses.
  • Humanitarian Research: Hosting the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transforming Human Origins Research, one of only eight nationally funded centres in 2025.
  • Combating Financial Crime: A strategic partnership with Westpac to fortify Australia’s defenses against financial crime through targeted research and workforce upskilling.

About the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings
The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings assess how global institutions contribute to the 17 UN SDGs. This framework serves as a blueprint for a sustainable future by addressing climate change, improving health and education, reducing inequality, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

 

Why Study at Griffith?

Students at Griffith learn from degrees informed by world-class research and industry connections. You will learn in and out of the classroom, with teaching methods tailored to suit the needs of each degree. Depending on your degree, you might learn through work placements, overseas field trips, industry projects for real clients, or laboratory studies in Griffith’s state-of-the-art facilities.

With more than $320-million worth of upgrades to Griffith’s campuses across Brisbane, Logan, and the Gold Coast, you’ll study in an exciting and progressive environment.

Some popular Griffith University programs for Canadian students include

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Would you like more information about your study opportunities at Griffith University? Please reach out to info@oztrekk.com or call us toll-free at 1-866-698-7355. We’ll help you Make Your Education a Destination!

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