The ‘Integrative Green Infrastructure’ GRIP* research project promotes environmental sustainability within an academic and non-academic context. The long-term objective is to facilitate the strategic transformation of the inherited social and urban landscape in Tshwane through improved green space planning, multifunctionality and management. This could increase the quality of life in urban communities through a more health-promoting, equitable, biodiverse, and climate-resilient city (SDGs 3,11,15,16). The projects make an impact beyond institutions through knowledge-based advocacy and awareness activities, co-designed to bring about social change.