Sustainability Statement

1. About us

The George Institute for Global Health is a leading independent global medical research institute, with major centres in Australia, China, India and the UK. With a vast international network of experts and collaborators, we are committed to improving the health of millions worldwide, particularly those in disadvantaged and underserved communities. Our research challenges the status quo, using innovative approaches to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases and injuries.

With over 600 employees across our global operations, The George Institute integrates environmental, social and governance sustainability into every aspect of our work. As a mission-driven organisation, we believe that advancing human health is intrinsically linked to preserving planetary health.

2. Our sustainability commitment

In 2024, The George Institute launched its inaugural Sustainability Plan to define our organisational priorities, demonstrate our contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthen our readiness for evolving climate-related reporting expectations. The Plan was designed to embed sustainability across our research, operations and partnerships. As an organisation, we are fully committed to integrating sustainability into our research, operations and partnerships.

Our Sustainability Plan is built around three interconnected pillars: Our People, Our Communities and Our Planet. These pillars reflect both our internal responsibilities and our external impact as a global health research organisation.

Our efforts focus on three key areas:

  • Reducing our Environmental Footprint: We strive to minimise the impact of our global operations by reducing energy use, managing waste responsibly and promoting sustainable practices across all our offices and research sites.
  • Advancing Social Responsibility: Our research is driving climate-adaptive healthcare solutions that address the health impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable populations in the Global South.
  • Improving Governance & Partnerships: We work closely with global funders and collaborators to ensure that economic sustainability is embedded into every project, initiative, and partnership

3. Why sustainability matters to The George Institute

As global funders increasingly prioritise sustainable development and climate action, The George Institute offers a unique opportunity to support health initiatives that centre on environmental and social responsibility. We recognise the critical role that funders play in shaping the future of global health and sustainability and are committed to being a trusted partner in these efforts.

By supporting The George Institute, funders invest in a research organisation that is working to improve health outcomes while also strengthening environmental responsibility, social impact and organisational accountability. This includes research that explores the links between climate and health, community-informed approaches, and more sustainable business practices.

4. Our sustainability practices

The George Institute’s field and office-based operations have a relatively low environmental footprint. We recognise our responsibility to use resources responsibly and minimise our environmental impact. This includes:

  • Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-saving measures across our offices and research sites.
  • Sustainable Procurement: Prioritising eco-friendly products and services that align with our sustainability values.
  • Waste Reduction: Minimising waste through recycling programs and responsible waste management practices.

Our values of impact, integrity and resilience influence the way we operate and engage with our partners. We work with a diverse range of partners and suppliers, from universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech companies to global providers of technology, and professional services, and encourage responsible business practices throughout our supply chain. We aim to build partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to ethical conduct, environmental responsibility, and sustainable outcomes.

5. Our policy and governance approach

Our sustainability work is supported by governance structures and policy development that help embed sustainability across the organisation. Our sustainability plan is overseen by our Board’s Risk and Sustainability Committee and our people initiatives which form part of our sustainability plan are also overseen by the Board’s People Committee.

This governance approach reflects our commitment to ensuring sustainability is not treated as a standalone initiative, but as part of how we make decisions, manage risk, support staff, engage communities and deliver research impact.

6. Our sustainability policies

The George Institute has a robust policy framework that ensures our operations, research, and partnerships align with our sustainability goals.

These include:

  • Environmental Sustainability & E-Waste Policy: Outlines our approach to environmental responsibility, including energy use, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement.
  • Climate Action Strategy: Focused on reducing carbon emissions, building climate resilience into healthcare, and promoting environmental justice.
  • Responsible Investment Policy: Commits to pursuing investment in companies, corporations and businesses that care for people, which demonstrate sound ethical practices, observe accepted norms in relation to their social, environmental and financial stewardship.
  • Procurement Policy: Ensures all suppliers comply with environmental regulations and adhere to our standards, utilising and supporting local and marginalised businesses and supporting the local economy.
  • Whistleblower Policy: Provides a platform for reporting any concerns regarding sustainability or environmental risks within the organisation or its supply chains.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Policy: Increases our impact through a focused and coordinated approach that implements best practice processes in First Nations health research.
  • Health and Sustainable Food and Drink Policy: Values the importance of healthy foods and beverages in promoting wellbeing within the workplace and beyond.
  • Diversity Inclusion and Belonging Commitment: Provides our current and potential people an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential regardless of their gender, cultural background, and Indigenous origin, (dis)ability, and sexual orientation or identity.
  • Domestic Violence Leave Policy: Provides a supportive workplace where an employee experiencing family / domestic violence can seek support.
  • Recruitment and Selection Policy: Seeks to build and invest in a diverse and highly competent workforce who will strengthen our capability to achieve current and future strategic goals.
  • Respect at Work Policy: Commits to building and maintaining a welcoming, respectful, and safe workplace free from discrimination, bullying, discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, gender-based and sex-based harassment, and victimisation
  • Reproductive Health Policy: Ensuring our people can access workplace support to manage symptoms associated with reproductive health matters
  • Work Health & Safety Policy: Commits a proactive approach to prevent and protect our people from physical and psychosocial hazards and injury, and promote their health, safety and welfare.
  • Modern Slavery Policy: Promotes respect and support of human rights in combatting modern slavery in our business and supply chains.
  • People Potentially at Higher Risk Policy: Demonstrates strong commitment to safeguard people potentially at higher risk and to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

7. Invitation to funders 

The George Institute welcomes collaboration with funders and partners who share our commitment to advancing global health and sustainability. By partnering with us, funders can support research and action that address health inequities, strengthen community engagement, improve organisational sustainability, and expand understanding of the links between human and planetary health.

We invite our partners to work with us to build a healthier, more equitable and more sustainable future.