Sustainability
At James Cook University (Singapore Campus), sustainability is more than a commitment — it’s a core part of who we are and how we operate. From fostering healthier workplaces to driving innovative, eco-conscious practices across campus, we are proud to champion a culture of environmental responsibility in everything we do.
Our efforts have been recognised through a series of national awards and certifications, reflecting our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint, enhancing staff and student well-being, and contributing meaningfully to Singapore’s green future. Through collaborative action, forward-thinking design, and a whole-of-university approach, we continue to lead by example — creating a campus that is healthier, more resilient, and built for a sustainable tomorrow.
Our Sustainability Rankings / Awards
School Green Awards (Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award & Vanda Miss Joaquim Award)
James Cook University is proud to receive the Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award for the first time, alongside the Vanda Miss Joaquim Award under the School Green Awards 2024. This dual recognition marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey and reflects our deep commitment to environmental stewardship across education, research, and campus operations. It celebrates the collective efforts of our students, staff, and partners in advancing impactful green initiatives. We thank the Singapore Environment Council for this honour and remain dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability that supports Singapore’s vision of a greener, climate-resilient future.
Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards (SEAA) 2025 – Innovation & Design Merit
James Cook University (Singapore Campus) has been awarded the Innovation & Design Merit at the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards (SEAA) 2025, marking the second consecutive year (also 2024) of this achievement. This recognition affirms its commitment to pioneering sustainability through data-driven design, nature-based solutions, and environmentally responsible campus planning. The award acknowledges the university’s whole-of-campus approach to reducing carbon footprint and enhancing resilience through innovation.
Sustainability News
Sustainability Podcasts
Our Sustainable Efforts
Sustainability Initiatives
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Planning sustainable and inclusive communities
2 June 2023 | JCU researcher Associate Professor Taha Chaiechi led a study of urban planning policies in Singapore through the “Community empowerment, transformative growth, and building a resilient economy" flagship of JCU’s Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia (CITBA).
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James Cook University launches an SDG wall at its Singapore campus
3 December 2023 | James Cook University’s Singapore campus proudly features an SDG Wall, emphasizing the university’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Student Volunteer Club + Habitat for Humanity
4 November 2023| James Cook University Singapore is dedicated to aligning its operations with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Student leaders in clubs and societies play a pivotal role in organizing activities that contribute to these goals. A notable example is our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Singapore.
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James Cook University's workshop initiative hopes to advance shark and ray conservation
26 October 2023 | The Southeast Asia Shark & Ray Research and Conservation workshop, held from September 25-29 in Singapore, represented a significant advancement in shark and ray conservation efforts across the region.
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Sea Forest was a finalist at The Earthshot Prize Awards 2023, with its revolutionary seaweed-based livestock feed
17 November 2023 | Sea Forest, an Australian company founded by Mr. Sam Elsom, was a finalist in The Earthshot Prize Awards 2023. This prestigious recognition highlights Sea Forest's groundbreaking approach to one of the planet's most pressing environmental issues: significantly reducing methane emissions from livestock farming.
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Insect food poses allergy risks: Researchers highlight the need for insect-specific allergen tests
31 July 2024 | A call for raised food allergy awareness and risk management – a study led by James Cook University and supported by A*STAR’s Bioinformatics Institute, Edith Cowan University, and Australia’s Science Agency CSIRO and National Measurement Institute (NMI).
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Certificate of Recognition
for #2 in the World
in SDG 1711 September 2024 | James Cook University has been awarded a certificate for achieving #2 in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024 for SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
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Sustainability at James Cook University, Singapore: Leading the Change for a Greener Future
27 September 2025 | As of September 2025, JCU Singapore’s Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System has generated 593 MWh of clean energy. This achievement translates into the environmental impact of planting nearly 6.9 million trees and a reduction of 242 tonnes of carbon emissions.
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James Cook University in Singapore Celebrate International Women's Day
18 March 2025 | Staff at James Cook University in Singapore recently came together to celebrate International Women’s Day with an interactive quiz about remarkable women, the challenges faced by women, and the importance of empowerment.
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Student Engagement and
Education for Sustainability11 September 2024 | Sustainability at JCU Singapore is powered not only by institutional initiatives but also by student-led projects. In 2024, under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr James Loh, a pioneering project was launched to explore the potential of mealworms in digesting Styrofoam waste. Recognizing that mealworms can survive on Styrofoam, the initiative investigates their role as a natural, sustainable solution for tackling non-biodegradable waste.
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SEIGOP 2025 Conference at JCU in Singapore: Shaping sustainable futures in the Asia Pacific
11 & 12 September 2025 | The SEIGOP Conference 2025 saw 120 academics, researchers, industry practitioners from 13 countries as well as students coming together to share their research on sustainability, organisational psychology, and more with other global experts. This year’s event reinforced the Conference’s position as a platform for advancing multidisciplinary research and collaboration on sustainable futures in the Asia Pacific.
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South-East Asia Mental Health Consortium (SEAMHC)
27 August 2025 | This opportunity showcases the calibre of our Psychology faculty and reinforces #JCUSingapore’s role at the forefront of regional mental health initiatives. The knowledge, insights, and professional connections gained through the summit will help strengthen research collaborations and enhance learning experiences for our students.
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JCU Singapore Professor engages with ASEAN Senior Economic Officials about the circular economy
20 January 2025 | The Focal Group for Circular Economy is a working group of economic officials from 10 ASEAN Member States that oversees the implementation of the Framework for Circular Economy for the ASEAN Economic Community. This Framework seeks to integrate circular economy principles into regional economic strategies to promote sustainable development across ASEAN countries. It outlines 67 initiatives that aim to drive progress in areas such as resource efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable production.
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James Cook University Professor led dialogue session on new Singapore Circular Economy Standards
4 December 2025 | With increasing pressures on natural resources, our planet faces urgent environmental challenges – from resource scarcity and waste to climate change. The linear economy model, which involves extracting resources, creating products and discarding them after use, is proving unsustainable. Transitioning to a circular economy can aid in reducing environmental impact, renewing resources, and ultimately create a more sustainable future. To support this shift, international standards can help organisations around the world implement circular principles effectively.
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