Conducting cutting-edge planetary health research

Our Sustainability Approach

At Wits Planetary Health Research, sustainability principles are deeply embedded within our organisational culture and daily practices. As leaders in planetary health research, we continuously drive advocacy initiatives for robust environmental accountability within academic institutions and broader society.

Our team has demonstrated success in implementing carbon mitigation frameworks across various research programs, including Welcome Trust projects and the European Union HIGH Horizons initiative. Through systematic quantification of emissions, evidence-based modelling, and strategic interventions, we've achieved significant reductions in our environmental impact. We actively share our expertise with other organisations, including our strategic guidance to the South African Medical Research Council's Directors Symposium, and collaborate with international partners like Trinity College Dublin, which brings strong complementary expertise through their Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action and comprehensive green campus programme.

Our Organisational Commitments

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Sustainable Data and Computing

  • Organisation-wide adoption of digital data collection systems, including WhatsApp-based EMAs for field research
  • Centralised data management using cloud-based tools developed through our HIGH Horizons and CARBOMICA initiatives
  • Standard implementation of Green Algorithms methodology across all computational research
  • Environmental impact assessment integrated into all data analysis workflows
  • Sustainable procurement practices aligned with institutional inventory management

Travel Optimisation

  • Strategic alignment of field research with existing community healthcare schedules
  • Priority recruitment from local communities for field-based research positions
  • Institute-wide virtual-first meeting policy, with travel decisions guided by sustainability best practices
  • Sustainable travel strategies, including minimising air travel emissions and prioritising remote collaboration technologies

Accountability

  • Regular environmental impact assessments using validated measurement frameworks
  • Quarterly sustainability reviews across all research programs
  • Knowledge sharing through our open-access platform and research community engagement

Our Framework and Guidelines

Our organisational approach is guided by leading international frameworks:

A division of Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd

Quick Contacts

If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact with our team.

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