Sustainability Statement

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 700 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.

Our sustainability commitment

The George Institute understands that sustainability is essential not only to global health, but also to the future of the planet. As an organisation, we are fully committed to integrating sustainability into our research, operations and partnerships.

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 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. 
• Improving Governance & Partnerships: We work closely with funders and collaborators to ensure that economic sustainability is embedded into our projects and partnerships.

Why sustainability matters to funders

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. 

As a funder, you can trust that your support will contribute to research and initiatives that not only improve health outcomes, but also safeguard the environment. Our sustainability practices are monitored, and we engage in regular evaluations to strengthen our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Our sustainability practices

The George Institute engages with a diverse range of suppliers, from local providers of office supplies to multinational firms offering finance and technology services. We are committed to working with suppliers who share our dedication to sustainability, requiring them to adhere to strict environmental standards and responsible sourcing practices

Although our operations are not typically associated with high environmental risk, we are mindful of our resource use and actively pursue initiatives that reduce our overall 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 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. 
• Procurement Policy: Ensures 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 including 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 Policy: 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. 
• 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.

Our action in 2024

During the current reporting period, we have implemented a range of sustainability initiatives, including: 

• Appointed a dedicated sustainability manager. 
• Sourced safe and employee-focused premises in Hyderabad and Delhi. 
• Agreed target for renewable electricity and offset CO2 emissions. 
• Implemented waste management plan across offices. 
• Developed a sustainable and responsible travel policy. 
• Offset CO2 emissions from flights and established global travel baseline. 
• Developed sustainability responsible investment policy.

Our planned actions in 2025 

We are continually evolving to meet the growing sustainability challenges of the future. In 2025 we plan to: 

• Reduce our carbon emissions by expanding the use of energy-efficient technologies. 
• Deepen our focus on climate resilience in health research, especially in underserved regions. 
• Strengthen our partnerships with funders for a sustainable and equitable future.

Invitation to funders 

The George Institute welcomes working with funders who are passionate about advancing global health and sustainability. By partnering with us, you will help drive critical research that addresses the challenges of health inequity and environmental degradation. We invite funders and collaborators to partner with us to build a more sustainable and equitable world.