A better, more sustainable world
Our commitment
We are committed to sustainability that is practical, measurable and grounded in real-world experience.
Through international work placements, our scholarship programs support young people to build skills, gain global perspective and contribute positively to communities and industries both overseas and back home. Sustainability is embedded in how we design programs, support scholars and foster long-term networks that continue to create impact well beyond individual placements.
Our approach to sustainability
Our approach to sustainability focuses on learning, contribution and long-term outcomes.
Scholars are placed with host organisations where they are exposed to sustainable practices in agriculture, horticulture, trades and related industries. Through hands-on experience and knowledge exchange, scholars gain insights that influence future practice and contribute to more sustainable ways of working.
We recognise that sustainability is not only environmental. It also includes social, economic and community impact.
Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
We align our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a shared global framework for sustainable development.
We focus on the SDGs where contribution can be clearly demonstrated through our programs, using proxy indicators that reflect real and measurable outcomes from scholar participation, learning and ongoing engagement.
SDGs we contribute to
Our sustainability focus aligns most strongly with the following SDGs.
Goal 4 – Quality education
We support inclusive and practical learning through international work placements, leadership development and structured reflection. Scholars build vocational skills, confidence and global awareness that support lifelong learning.
Goal 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
Through exposure to sustainable practices and community-based work, scholars contribute to knowledge exchange that supports resilient industries and communities in host countries and in Australia.
Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals
We build international partnerships between scholars, host organisations and alumni. These relationships support collaboration, learning and ongoing contribution beyond individual placements.
How we measure contribution
We use a logic model approach to understand and measure contribution to sustainability. This links:
Program activities
Scholar participation and learning
Outcomes for individuals and industries
Alignment to SDG intent
Proxy indicators that demonstrate contribution
Examples of proxy indicators include skills development, leadership growth, diversity of scholar cohorts, placement hours, alumni engagement and ongoing knowledge sharing.
This approach allows us to measure what matters most in a way that is practical, transparent and suited to the scale of our programs.
Measuring social impact
Our commitment to sustainability is supported by a broader focus on measuring social impact.
As part of the Big Brother Movement, we contributed to a Social Return on Investment (SROI) study conducted in 2024. The study assessed the social, environmental and economic value created through BBM’s scholarship programs, including this program.
The findings demonstrated strong impact.
For every $1 invested, $9.34 of social value was created, benefiting scholars, their industries, communities and the environment.
This insight supports continuous learning and helps guide future program design, partnerships and investment.
Scholar contribution
Scholars play an active role in sustainability learning and reflection.
During their placements, scholars are supported to:
Identify sustainable practices they are exposed to
Reflect on social, environmental and community impact
Consider how learning can be applied in future work
Share insights that strengthen the alumni network
Each placement is unique, but our contribution lies in creating the opportunity, structure and support that enables learning and impact to occur.
Find out which Global Goals each of our current scholars has chosen to work towards.
Offsetting Carbon, Empowering Communities:
BBM’s 2024–25 Climate Commitment
BBM is proud to offset the carbon emissions generated by staff and Global Footprints Scholar travel in the 2024–25 financial year through support for the April Salumei Rainforest Community Conservation Project in Papua New Guinea.
Located in the East Sepik Province, this extraordinary project protects over 603,000 hectares of biodiverse rainforest, home to rich traditional culture and endangered species. It is part of a Forest Management Area that was once under threat from logging concessions—but is now safeguarded through verified carbon finance.
Instead of short-term logging income, Indigenous landowners now receive financial benefits based on the carbon storage and ecosystem services their forests provide. This ensures long-term environmental preservation while supporting local livelihoods.
The project also delivers broader social benefits, helping improve community wellbeing through:
Sustainable agriculture
Education
Employment opportunities
Access to healthcare and infrastructure
It contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 13 – Climate Action
SDG 15 – Life on Land
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
From 2025 onwards, BBM will invite each new cohort of Global Footprints Scholars to select the carbon project their travel emissions will support—equipping them to think critically and act responsibly on global challenges.
Carbon credits retired on behalf of BBM Ltd for the travel emissions generated by staff and the Global Footprints Scholars graduating in FYE 2024–25.