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Sustainability at University College Cork Kirrane, Maria; O’Halloran, John; Poland, Mark; Mehigan, Pat
Journal of Sustainability Perspectives Vol 3, No 1 (2023)
Publisher : Universitas Diponegoro

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14710/jsp.2023.19967

Abstract

Abstract. UCC has been a leading institution for sustainability in Ireland and beyond for a number of decades. The approach at UCC has been to integrate sustainability within the operations, teaching, research and engagment activities of the University. Operationally UCC implements best practice in managing water consumption and disposal. Through our Green Campus programme, students, academic and professional services staff are actively engaged in environmental management on campus. Our water conservation efforts have followed the approach taken with energy management through our Saver Saves scheme. This scheme established Green Teams within Buildings and a revolving fund mechanism whereby teams were incentivised to reduce consumption and supported to implement projects specific to their individual setting. A major exercise to baseline water consumption was undertaken a number of years ago and drawing on these findings, specific projects have been implemented to improve efficiency. This paper will explore sustainability at UCC across operations, teaching, research and engagement with a specific focus on water. Keyword: Sustainability, energy consumption, single-use plastics, university
Sustainability at University College Cork Kirrane, Maria; O’Halloran, John; Poland, Mark; Mehigan, Pat
Journal of Sustainability Perspectives Vol 3, No 1 (2023)
Publisher : Universitas Diponegoro

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14710/jsp.2023.19967

Abstract

Abstract. UCC has been a leading institution for sustainability in Ireland and beyond for a number of decades. The approach at UCC has been to integrate sustainability within the operations, teaching, research and engagment activities of the University. Operationally UCC implements best practice in managing water consumption and disposal. Through our Green Campus programme, students, academic and professional services staff are actively engaged in environmental management on campus. Our water conservation efforts have followed the approach taken with energy management through our Saver Saves scheme. This scheme established Green Teams within Buildings and a revolving fund mechanism whereby teams were incentivised to reduce consumption and supported to implement projects specific to their individual setting. A major exercise to baseline water consumption was undertaken a number of years ago and drawing on these findings, specific projects have been implemented to improve efficiency. This paper will explore sustainability at UCC across operations, teaching, research and engagement with a specific focus on water. Keyword: Sustainability, energy consumption, single-use plastics, university
Student-Led, Research-Informed and Practice Focussed: University College Cork's Journey to Sustainability O'Halloran, John; Barimo, John F; Cusack, Siobhan; Irwin, Sandra; Kirrane, Maria J; Mullally, Gerard; Nyaluke, David; O'Donoghue, Julie; O'Mahony, Catherine; Poland, Mark; Ryder, Maurice
Journal of Sustainability Perspectives Vol 5, No 3 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Diponegoro

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14710/jsp.2025.29840

Abstract

Sustainability is the defining challenge of our age. As engines of social progress, universities play a foundational role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a secure future. A student-led, research-informed, practice-focused approach has made University College Cork (UCC) one of the world’s most sustainable universities, consistently ranked in the UI GreenMetric top 10. Sustainability principles are central to teaching, research, outreach and operations at UCC, and are a cornerstone of organisational leadership, culture and strategy. UCC published its first Sustainability Strategy in 2016 and reports on priority initiatives annually. Researchers, including those in the UCC Futures Sustainability Institute, advance solutions to global challenges. Mapping research onto the SDGs ensures responsive priority setting for a sustainable future. An open-source SDG Toolkit supports the integration of sustainability in teaching, and a Connected Curriculum provides a framework to embed the SDGs in curricular and extra-curricular learning. UCC’s Sustainability Academy delivers bespoke industry-aligned programmes, educating future leaders to drive transformation. UCC integrates emerging sustainability practices into operations, recently adopting new approaches to the sustainability of its website and other digital spaces. This paper outlines UCC’s holistic journey to embedding sustainability through research, education and leadership, highlighting key enablers and success factors.
Student-Led, Research-Informed and Practice Focussed: University College Cork's Journey to Sustainability O'Halloran, John; Barimo, John F; Cusack, Siobhan; Irwin, Sandra; Kirrane, Maria J; Mullally, Gerard; Nyaluke, David; O'Donoghue, Julie; O'Mahony, Catherine; Poland, Mark; Ryder, Maurice
Journal of Sustainability Perspectives Vol 5, No 3 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Diponegoro

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14710/jsp.2025.29840

Abstract

Sustainability is the defining challenge of our age. As engines of social progress, universities play a foundational role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a secure future. A student-led, research-informed, practice-focused approach has made University College Cork (UCC) one of the world’s most sustainable universities, consistently ranked in the UI GreenMetric top 10. Sustainability principles are central to teaching, research, outreach and operations at UCC, and are a cornerstone of organisational leadership, culture and strategy. UCC published its first Sustainability Strategy in 2016 and reports on priority initiatives annually. Researchers, including those in the UCC Futures Sustainability Institute, advance solutions to global challenges. Mapping research onto the SDGs ensures responsive priority setting for a sustainable future. An open-source SDG Toolkit supports the integration of sustainability in teaching, and a Connected Curriculum provides a framework to embed the SDGs in curricular and extra-curricular learning. UCC’s Sustainability Academy delivers bespoke industry-aligned programmes, educating future leaders to drive transformation. UCC integrates emerging sustainability practices into operations, recently adopting new approaches to the sustainability of its website and other digital spaces. This paper outlines UCC’s holistic journey to embedding sustainability through research, education and leadership, highlighting key enablers and success factors.