NUI Galway Sustainability Strategy - 2021-2025 Leading the transition to a sustainable future
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NUI Galway
Sustainability
Strategy
Leading the transition to
a sustainable future
2021-2025
2021-2025
“We do not
inherit the Preface
Earth from our This University, like our entire society, is on a
journey and, like society as a whole, we must
We do not sit in an ivory tower, or behind
walls, and seek to preach. The very notion
ancestors; we
make choices about just how far we wish to of doing so would be absurd; taken literally,
go. A lifestyle in which everything is burned it would imply that a decaying planet would
up until it is burnt out is neither sustainable somehow magically stop at the edge of the
nor enjoyable for the vast majority of us. campus just because of our expertise. We
borrow it from Awareness of the significance of behavioural
change is not by any means universal, and
we are sometimes confronted with a simple
have sought key allies throughout society,
locally, nationally and globally, in industry
and in public and cultural bodies, and we will
our children”
rejection of the obvious. Those reactions continue to do so. We bring a wide range
require a tenacity of approach among those of expertise to the table and we know that
of us who wish to sustain life on this planet in there is an even wider range of expertise
all its many facets and varieties. In sustaining outside that can complement and enhance
life we are aware that diversity is at the core our efforts. That public engagement is an
Native American Proverb of sustainability, including biodiversity, cultural integral part of the function of any publicly
diversity, economic diversity and more. funded university, and it is a function
Sustainability is an aim and an ethos that that we embrace wholeheartedly.
celebrates difference and promotes respect
for our environment and for all our people. Our biggest asset, however, is our students.
When this University engaged in wide
This University has engaged in sustainable consultation as part of the development
practices in building for many years now, of our overall Strategic Plan 2020-25,
reducing energy consumption even as we sustainability was one of many values
have expanded our physical footprint, while mooted. The response from the students
also promoting biodiversity on our estate. in particular ensured that it became one
It is to the credit of our staff in Buildings of the four core values, alongside Respect,
and Estates with the support of the campus Openness and Excellence. It is a tribute to the
community that this is so. For a number of work of the Students’ Union, its then president
years now we have also engaged beyond that and our entire student body that that should
to try to embed a culture of sustainability in be so, work that has continued under this
our educational practices, in our teaching year’s president and will assuredly continue
and in our research. We are committed to into the future. For they and their children are
creating pathways to share knowledge with our future, and this planet’s future. We owe
the community, for example through the it to them, but it is tremendously pleasing
Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI), and to note also just how aware our young
we have sought to build collaborations across are that they owe it to themselves, too.
the piece, with national and international
bodies. The Community and University Learn – Live – Lead is the ethos that
Sustainability Partnership (CUSP), launched guides our sustainability efforts, as befits an
in 2017, has brought academics, professional educational institution. Our learning must
support staff and students together to be both theoretical and practical in order
collaborate on several strands of this activity, to inform the way we live our lives. As a
and you will see some of the building University, we seek both to educate and to
blocks of that strategy in this strategic unleash the creative potential in the leaders
plan, the fruits of their unwavering and of tomorrow. If this planet and with it our
selfless commitment. In 2019, the University children’s children are to survive, they will
also appointed its first ever Sustainability need an abundance of leaders in the field of
Officer, a signal of our serious intent in this sustainability, which is really just another way
area. What we have achieved since then of saying an abundance of leaders in life.
is in no small part down to her efforts.
Prof. Pól Ó Dochartaigh
Engagement with the wider community is PhD, DLitt, MRIA, Deputy President and
at the core of our approach to sustainability. Registrar, Chair, CUSP Advisory Board.
Front cover photo by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang
2 3
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Executive Summary Values and NUI Galway is a signatory to
the SDG Accord. Against this back-drop
Strategy was developed by the Community
University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP)
and clear commitment from University team following campus-wide consultation.
leadership and our wider University
community, we present to you our second Building on successful first steps, the
NUI Galway recognises that the future of between people and place, in Ireland sustainability strategy; the NUI Galway Strategy is based on a Learn-Live-Lead
humanity is threatened by unsustainable and around the globe. We understand Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025. model organised around 6 themes (Research
interactions between our societies, that language is essential to the creation and Learning, Energy and Greenhouse
economies and our environment. We of knowledge of our environment and The NUI Galway Sustainability Strategy 2021- Gas Emissions, Nature and Ecosystems,
are on a journey to lead the transition to sustainability, and communicating that 2025 sets out our vision and commitment Health and Wellbeing, Built Environment
a sustainable future. We launched our knowledge to others. We recognise to lead the implementation of sustainability and Governance and Leadership). Each
inaugural sustainability strategy in November that different language cultures across the campus and beyond. We will theme is comprised of a series of aims,
2017. The NUI Galway Sustainability Strategy capture environmental phenomena do this by embedding sustainability in our objectives and targets for the next five
2017-2020 set out an ambitious vision to that would otherwise remain hidden. culture, operational policies and governance academic years. The Strategy identifies
establish the University as a top-class, green, Incorporating an understanding of structures and empowering our communities 25 key measures of success across the
smart and healthy campus. We have achieved linguistic and cultural diversity is essential to be champions of sustainability. The vision six themes of the Learn-Live-Lead model.
significant progress over the last three years in understanding our environmental is anchored in the Shared Vision, Shaped The Strategy is a roadmap for the Shared
and our actions are already having an impact heritage and helping us reframe a shared by Values ambition to lead the transition to Vision, Shaped by Values commitment:
in Galway and globally. While we are inspired and sustainable planetary future. a sustainable future on our campus, in our
and motivated by our progress to date, as city and region and around the world. The
2020 draws to a close, we must look to the As a university community we are deeply
future, to a new decade, and plan for success committed to sustainability; we have
beyond that laid out in our inaugural strategy. identified sustainability as one of our
four core values. At an institutional level, ‘Building on the work of our Community and University
As a bilingual university, NUI Galway sustainability is a key pillar of our new
acknowledges the deep-rooted connection Strategic Plan: Shared Vision, Shaped by Sustainability Partnership and its approach to learn
live lead sustainability across the university mission,
we will embed sustainability in our culture, operational
policies and governance structures and empower our
communities to be champions of sustainability’.
Photo by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang
4 5
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
NUI Galway’s Commitment
to Sustainability
Ref Measures of success 2025 Target Ref Measures of success 2025 Target
Research and Learning Health and Wellbeing
Integration of sustainability across all education HW1 Achieve the Keep Well Mark Achieve by 2021
RL1 By 2023
programmes of the university
HW2 Achieve Healthy Campus Status Achieve by 2022
Availability of co-curricular sustainability
RL2 By 2023 HW3 Tobacco Free Campus Achieve by 2021
experiences for all NUI Galway students
Reduce year
Provision of opportunities for all to learn about HW4 Level of harmful drinking among students
on year
RL3 sustainability and to be part of the change process By 2025
in the transition to a sustainable campus Built Environment
Increase research activity aligned to the SDGs across all BE1 From a 2019 baseline, reduce total water consumption by 10% Achieve by 2025
60%
colleges and research institutions. Establish a baseline
RL4 alignment Ban specific single-use plastic convenience items including
of funded research projects aligned to the SDGs with Achieve by 2021
by 2025 polystyrene food containers, cups and drinks containers.
the ambition to achieve alignment of over 60% BE2
Achieve by 2025
Leadership in sustainability innovation and entrepreneurship. Reduce food wastage (kitchen and plate waste) by 50%
RL5 Establish a baseline of and increase sustainability By 2025 Establish baseline transport carbon footprint
innovation and entrepreneurship programmes BE3 2025
by 2021 and reduce year on year
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Governance and Leadership
EN1 Improve energy efficiency by 45% from 2005 baseline year By 2025 Annual
improvement
*Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by GL1 Show year-on-year progress on the achievement of the SDGs in Times Higher
15% based on 2021 baseline Societal Impact
EN2 By 2025 Ranking
*EN2 - Target will be reviewed after 2021
publication of baseline & methodology Impactful partnerships established with Continuous
GL2
community groups to achieve the SDGs growth each year
EN3 20% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025 By 2025
GL3 All labs green lab certified By 2025
Nature and Ecosystems
Initial STARS
Biodiversity Action Plan implemented and ranking by 2022
NE1 Ongoing Achieve inaugural STARS ranking and improve award
monitored for future updates GL4 with improved
rating. Maintain An Taisce Green Flag status
award rating
Demonstrated linkages between sustainable management
Start in 2021 by 2025
of campus and research on campus biodiversity.
NE2 and continue
Applied for funding for actions to showcase sustainable GL5 All contracts/tenders incorporate green purchasing criteria By 2021
year on year
biodiversity management for wider community
Measure and report
NE3 Signatory to Leave No Trace and principles implemented By 2022 carbon footprint
by 2021. Develop a
Co-developed community projects in city
NE4 By 2025 Develop a roadmap to move ambitiously framework by 2023
and county with key partners GL6
towards carbon neutrality for the university to
move ambitiously
towards carbon
neutrality by 2030
* See Appendix 1. How NUI Galway's Commitment to Sustainability contributes to achieving
the Flagship Actions set out in Shared Vision, Shaped by Values - Strategy 2020-2025
6 7
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
1. Introduction sustainable place. We appreciate the crucial
role that staff play in achieving the aims
as a role model for sustainability, with the
delivery of aims, objectives and targets
and objectives set out in this strategy and for the next five academic years, under
effectively communicated with staff in six themes, as part of a Learn-Live-Lead
developing the Strategy. As a university model (see below). An annual Sustainability
Sustainability has been gathering momentum Development Goals (SDGs) into our community, we recognise that the value Report will be produced outlining progress
as a core value at our university for a education, research, leadership operations, of sustainability comes most strongly from against targets. Good governance and
number of years. We launched our inaugural administration and engagement activities. our students. Our students are motivated continuous engagement with the campus
sustainability strategy for the campus in and demand action on sustainability. As a community will ensure the effectiveness
November 2017 with a vision of establishing This, our second sustainability strategy, from university that prides itself on the qualities of of this approach over five years.
the university as a leading, green, smart 2021 to 2025, builds on the success of the responsiveness and promoting a participatory
and healthy campus. With growing support first strategy and is a roadmap to achieve process, CUSP placed a strong emphasis
and commitment from our campus the NUI Galway Strategic Plan commitment on the student voice when developing
community, we have achieved significant ‘Building on the work of CUSP and its the Strategy. For example, students form a
progress over the last three years. Some of approach to learn, live and lead sustainability core part of the CUSP team representing
the major milestones reached as a result of across the university mission, we will embed sustainability from the perspective of
student societies, Students’ Union and
Volunteering. A strong emphasis is placed
“At NUI Galway, we recognise that our students on generating awareness of sustainability
among incoming first year students and
are the current and future sustainability maintaining engagement with students
throughout the year with various themed
implementers, leaders, innovators, days, workshops, information sessions,
internships and events. At various events
entrepreneurs and citizens and the Strategy over the last two years, CUSP asked students
to provide feedback and ideas on campus
firmly places students at the heart of our sustainability. Thousands of responses and
a multitude of insightful information was
sustainability journey.” received. At NUI Galway, we recognise
that our students are the current and
future sustainability implementers, leaders,
the inaugural strategy include: academic sustainability in our culture operational innovators, entrepreneurs and citizens
staff embracing sustainability as part of the policies and governance structures and the Strategy firmly places students at
curriculum; becoming a Green Campus and empower our communities to be the heart of our sustainability journey.
Ireland awarded site recognising the work champions of sustainability’. The Community
undertaken across the campus to promote University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP) The Strategy sets out an ambitious vision to
sustainability in each of five themes that is a multi-disciplinary voluntary team of lead by example and develop the campus
include energy, waste, water, travel and over 30 students and staff from across
biodiversity; exceeding the Public Sector the campus and community partners, all
2020 Energy Efficiency target; the first Green working together with the common aim
Lab certification for a laboratory in Europe; of establishing the university as a leading Learn-Live-Lead Model
and managing the campus grounds in line institutional model for sustainability. CUSP
with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. Most was established in 2015, under the direction
recently, after a campus-wide consultation of the Deputy President and Registrar, to LEARN LIVE LEAD
process, sustainability was enshrined in showcase how a university can become a
the NUI Galway Strategic Plan for 2020- role model for the transition to a sustainable
2025, Shared Vision, Shaped by Values as future. The implementation of the work Researching Energy & Nature & Health & Built Governance
& Learning GHG’s Ecosystems Wellbeing Environment & Leadership
one of four key values, with ten associated is led by the Community and University
flagship actions across the university’s Sustainability Officer, appointed in 2019.
Sustainability Energy Campus Physical, Accessibility Shared Vision
mission. Alongside and linked to respect, in the lecture Reductions Landscape Mental Shaped
openness and excellence, sustainability The NUI Galway Sustainability Strategy halls & beyond Design & Social Transport by Values
is now at the heart of our strategic 2021-2025 was developed following wide Lower GHG Wellbeing 2020-2025
approach at NUI Galway. In December ranging consultation with students, staff Research Emissions Conservation Water
2019, the university further demonstrated and the wider community. We recognise with impact and Education Food Community
its commitment to sustainability at an that there is a strong cohort of motivated Renewable Waste Engagement
institutional level by signing the SDG Accord, and passionate employees who are Energy Biodiverse
committing to embedding the Sustainable dedicated to making NUI Galway a more Campus
8 9
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
2. Vision
Our Journey NUI Galway will be a leader in the transition to a sustainable future. We will
embed sustainability in our culture, operational policies and governance
Towards
structures. As a bilingual university, we recognise that supporting linguistic
and cultural diversity is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). We will empower our communities to be champions of
sustainability.
Sustainability
Mission:
Learn-Live-Lead
Building on the work of CUSP, we will learn, live and lead sustainability
across the university mission. The focus of learn is to continue to embed
sustainability literacy into all aspects of University learning and research,
the focus of live is to implement the principles of sustainability throughout
campus operations and engagement activities; from a lead perspective the
aim is to play a central and transformational role in attaining the SDGs by
2030. Our mission is organised around six themes: Research and Learning,
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nature and Ecosystems, Health
and Wellbeing, Built Environment, and Leadership and Governance.
Values
This Strategy is underpinned by the University’s four core values:
• Respect – Respect for people, our purpose, our place and our planet.
• Excellence – We serve our region, our students and our society
best through our high standards in research, teaching, support and
engagement.
• Openness – We are open to the world, to cultural and to linguistic
diversity. We also go out seeking new and deeper research co-
operation, new ideas, new partnerships and new ways of engaging.
• Sustainability – We cherish our role as a university sustaining our
communities and the next generation of citizens and of knowledge for
our students and for our society.
Moreover, the work of this Strategy will be engaging, holistic and inclusive;
students and staff will be at the heart of the sustainability journey.
10 11
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
3. Research & Learning
At NUI Galway, we recognise the pivotal needs to be accomplished if we are to live
role that our teaching and research up to the commitments expressed in the
activities can play in developing the next NUI Galway Strategic Plan Shared Vision,
generation of students, researchers and Shaped by Values ‘to be world renowned
innovators for tackling society’s evolving for our teaching and research activities
sustainable development challenges. As a that develop our graduates as future
globally focused research-led university, sustainability leaders in Ireland and globally’.
NUI Galway supports a large number of
inter-disciplinary research centres directly Over the next five years, we will seek to
related to sustainability and the environment. transform the university’s teaching and
We understand that the problems of the learning culture so that sustainability
world cannot be solved from just one becomes a core part of our student learning
perspective and we will continue to affirm objectives and all students, staff and key
the importance of inter-, cross- and stakeholders engage with sustainability as a
trans-disciplinarity in delivering impact. core value of the institution. Using the SDG
Through our teaching and learning, we framework as a blueprint, we will sharpen
can provide students with the necessary the focus of our research and innovation
knowledge, skills, interest and motivation to over the next five years and seek to carry
understand and address the SDGs. Through out research that is revolutionary in its
our research, we can offer knowledge, positive societal impact. As a signatory to
Research &
solutions, pathways and technologies for the SDG Accord, we commit to embedding
addressing sustainability challenges. sustainability into our education and
research and recognise that we have
While we have made considerable progress a responsibility to play a central and
Learning over the last few years in embedding
sustainability literacy into University practice,
we recognise that there is much that
transformational role in delivering the SDGs.
Strategic Aim
Through our teaching and research activities, using the UN
SDGs as a framework, we will develop the next generation
of students, researchers and innovators for tackling society’s
evolving sustainable development challenges. We will
embed sustainability across our learning, research and the
student experience so that individuals across our entire
campus community gain the necessary knowledge and
skills to become sustainability role models and leaders.
12 13
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Objectives • Incorporate sustainability as part of
employee recruitment, staff induction,
• Measure and increase the number of training and professional development.
programmes delivering sustainability
• Offer widely accessible sustainability
content at both undergraduate
workshops, awareness days, engagement
and postgraduate level.
events, seminars and tours to students,
• Map and monitor sustainability staff and the wider community.
literacy; pilot the Sulitest as a
• Map, measure and increase research
possible method to measure and
projects aligned to the SDGs.
improve sustainability literacy.
• Champion inter-, cross- and
• Compile and encourage implementation
trans-disciplinary collaboration
of a suite of learning tools and
and engagement as drivers of
resources to enhance understanding
sustainability teaching and research, Photo by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang
of sustainability and climate
for example, through the ASPIRE:
change e.g. En-Roads Climate
Next Generation Graduates project.
Change Solutions Simulator.
• Engage with partners locally, nationally
• Work with colleges, schools, disciplines
and globally and become a global Ref Measures of success 2025 Target Owner
and units to identify a network of
leader in research and innovation
sustainability curriculum champions Research and Learning
that address the SDGs. Adopt a co-
who will support academic staff, module
creative approach by working with Integration of sustainability across all education
owners and programme directors RL1 By 2023 CUSP, R&L
organisations in the wider community programmes of the university
across schools and colleges to review
that embrace sustainability.
learning objectives and integrate
Availability of co-curricular sustainability CUSP, R&L,
sustainability across educational • Develop targeted relationships with RL2 By 2023
experiences for all NUI Galway students CKI, ASPIRE
programmes of the University. universities in low and middle-income
countries focused on sustainability Provision of opportunities for all to learn about
• Work with students to make university RL3 sustainability and to be part of the change process By 2025 CUSP, R&L
and create sustainability-related
participation more accessible and in the transition to a sustainable campus
scholarships for students from low
affordable for them to ensure that
and middle-income countries. Increase research activity aligned to the SDGs across all
sustainability education and experiences 60%
are available at every income level. • Expand innovation and entrepreneurship colleges and research institutions. Establish a baseline CUSP, R&L,
RL4 alignment
programmes that enable our faculty, of funded research projects aligned to the SDGs with Research Office
• Embed sustainability across the by 2025
staff and students to sustainably the ambition to achieve alignment of over 60%
entire student experience including
make an impact and promote
student recruitment stage, new Leadership in sustainability innovation and entrepreneurship.
sustainability within leadership roles. CUSP, R&L,
student orientation, activities and RL5 Establish a baseline of and increase sustainability By 2025
life on campus (e.g. Student Union, ASPIRE
innovation and entrepreneurship programmes
clubs, societies, outreach).
• Develop on-campus student
sustainability leadership opportunities
e.g. institutional awards and student
led demonstrator projects.
• Work in conjunction with Community
Knowledge Initiative (CKI) to develop
and measure co-curricular experiences
that achieve sustainability learning
objectives and support student
organisations, clubs, societies and
events focused on sustainability.
14 15
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
4. Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
At NUI Galway, we recognise the grave building occupants as agents for making
threat that climate change poses to our our buildings more energy efficient. We
health and our planet’s future and the are committed to more comprehensive
urgent need for society to transition to a low sustainability reporting and will lead the way
carbon future. We know that addressing a in measuring and reporting carbon footprint.
challenge as big as climate change requires We aim to deliver on these commitments by
a truly collaborative, society-wide approach. promoting the concept of energy efficiency
We are committed to playing our part in and carbon mitigation at all levels in the
reducing our emissions and acting as an organisation from students and academics
exemplar of best practice to lead a wider to administration staff and contractors.
transition. Over the next five years, we will
continue to show leadership and vision, It is envisaged that the aims and objectives
setting ourselves ambitious targets in the set out in the strategy will build on the
area of sustainable energy and carbon university’s progress over the last 10 years
mitigation. We will aggressively pursue in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
reducing energy consumption in new and designing energy efficient buildings,
refurbished buildings and procuring energy transitioning to renewable energy sources
saving equipment and technologies. We and using the campus as an exemplar for
Energy and will diversify energy supply by investing in sustainability in the wider community.
renewable energy sources and reinvesting
energy cost savings in new sustainability
Greenhouse
technologies and engagement with
Gas Emissions
Strategic Aim
Building on past progress, we will continue to exceed targets
set out in the Public sector Energy Efficiency programmes and
act as a leader in the sector through project demonstration,
community engagement and collaboration with energy
users across our campuses. We will embrace proven new
technologies to increase our buildings’ energy efficiency
and Building Energy Rating by integrating sustainability in all
Buildings and Estates planning and development under the
auspices of the Climate Action Plan. We will develop a pathway
to move ambitiously towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
16 17
Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Objectives • Design and implement an ambitious
programme of active engagement
• Improve Energy Efficiency by 45% by among the entire campus community
2025, based on 2005 baseline year, which focuses on energy reduction in
recognising that the Climate Action our buildings and utilises the campus
Plan Target is to improve energy as a living lab for sustainability. Use the
efficiency of Public sector buildings support of Energy Champions, student
by 50% by 2030. This will be achieved advocates (e.g. members of the Energy
through the installation of energy saving Society) and Energy Working Groups
equipment and technologies (e.g. LED to implement behavioural change.
lighting, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels,
• Become a research leader in the
Electric Heat Pumps) and carrying out
development of energy-saving
fabric upgrades to existing buildings-
technologies and renewable
an approach that has already proven
energy technologies through pilot
successful on the NUI Galway campus.
projects with Higher Education
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by Authority (HEA) and Sustainable
15% by 2025 based on 2021 baseline year. Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI).
• 20% of electricity to come from • Participate in partnerships with enterprise
renewable sources by 2025. and community groups who have
as their goal improvement in use of
• Determine our baseline carbon footprint resources and reduced climate impact.
and develop a roadmap to move Promote community building through
ambitiously towards carbon neutrality, by a partnership approach where campus
2030, with a reduction of 15% in Scope 1 resources and expertise are shared
and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions with the local and wider community.
by 2025 and a reduction of 10% in Scope
3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
• Display up to date Display Energy
Certificates (DEC) in all buildings by 2025.
Ref Measures of success 2025 Target Owner
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Buildings &
EN1 Improve energy efficiency by 45% from 2005 baseline year By 2025
Estates
*Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
15% based on 2021 baseline
Buildings &
EN2 By 2025
Estates
*EN2 - Target will be reviewed after 2021
publication of baseline & methodology
Buildings &
EN3 20% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025 By 2025
Estates
18 19Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
5. Nature & Ecosystems
At NUI Galway, we recognise that healthy and planning for improved biodiversity, to
biodiverse ecosystems are the foundation for promoting the benefits of interaction
life on this planet. We are fully aware that we with nature and developing and sharing
depend on nature to sustain our economies, the campus as an educational and nature
livelihoods, food security, health, and quality resource. Ecological stewardship is explicit
of life. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy in the University Strategic Plan. We are
Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem committed to good citizenship and local,
Services (IPBES) reports that of an estimated regional and global sustainability; to the
8 million animal and plant species, around sensitive management of our biodiverse
1 million are threatened with extinction. grounds and to becoming an exemplar in
In what has been declared by some ‘the biodiversity related research and learning.
Anthropocene epoch’, this new wave of We recognise the synergies between Nature
extinction is largely due to our human and Ecosystems and other areas of the
influence on the natural world. We view loss Sustainability Strategy; for example, through
of ecosystems and biodiversity as our loss. planting for people and pollinators, and how
The connection between people and nature we manage our campus grounds, we create
is voiced in the Irish language and many a greener Built Environment, we promote
other minority languages. We will employ the Health and Wellbeing benefits from
diverse ways including language to play interacting with nature and acknowledge
our part in addressing one of the greatest our strategic plan commitment to be an
Nature & sustainability challenges of our times.
NUI Galway values and respects our
exemplar in Research and Learning about
biodiversity and support co-curricular
sustainability experiences for all our students.
Ecosystems
biodiverse campus grounds and we are
a signatory to the All-Ireland Pollinator
Plan. We are committed to implementing
our Biodiversity Action Plan, to ecological
Strategic Aim
To become a role model for our positive impact on the
environment. To continue to enhance the management
of our campus environment in ways that are sensitive to
our ecosystems, in keeping with our aspirations to be
an exemplar in biodiversity research and learning.
Photo by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang
20 21Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Objectives • Embed outdoor teaching within the
• Continue to be a leader in how we
learning experience of our students,
staff, and wider community. Through
Teaching and Learning committees,
“healthy and
implement sustainable procurement,
planning, materials and practices
to ensure the campus remains
promote and increase the use of
outdoor classes and laboratories on
the NUI Galway campus and including
biodiverse
biodiverse, safe and healthy. This
includes, for example, managing our
grasslands, wetlands, woodlands
our field research stations (for example
Mace Head, Carron, Finavarra, Carna). ecosystems are
and trees to ensure long term
sustainability of all such habitats.
• Engage staff, students and the wider
community with campus biodiversity
through activities timed to coincide
the foundation for
• Build on survey work to identify, map and
•
enhance biodiversity sites on campus.
Implement and update our biodiversity
with recruitment, orientation,
induction and other hosted events. life on this planet”
action and pollinator plans. • Continue to rollout sustainable outdoor
seating; recognising that outdoor
• Build on our existing planting of food seating spaces provides an opportunity
producing trees and shrubs with a to connect people to the natural world
view to developing a permaculture and spend more time in nature.
trail across the campus.
• Employ a biodiversity survey with
• Apply for funding to implement the wider community to co-develop
commitments within the pollinator actions to improve biodiversity where
plan and biodiversity action plan (e.g. we live, study, work and relax. Ref Measures of success 2025 Target Owner
outdoor classroom and signage).
• Map and encourage nature connections Nature and Ecosystems
• Continue to use the campus and our from the NUI Galway campus outwards Biodiversity Action Plan implemented and
wider research stations as a living towards the Burren, Connemara, and NE1 Ongoing CUSP, N&E
monitored for future updates
lab, and utilise research to inform wider Corrib hinterland, including the
management/biodiversity practices; for Connemara Greenway, in collaboration Demonstrated linkages between sustainable management
Start in 2021
example, habitat management for wildlife with community partners. of campus and research on campus biodiversity.
NE2 and continue CUSP, N&E
(including pollinators), invasive species Applied for funding for actions to showcase sustainable
• Work with national bodies, local and year on year
treatment and control, and diverting biodiversity management for wider community
food wastes into composting/ anaerobic regional authorities, city and county
digestion and bio-compatible outdoor civil and civic society organisations, NE3 Signatory to Leave No Trace and principles implemented By 2022 CUSP, N&E
lighting (low blue content, lower overall including for example, Galway Co-developed community projects in city
intensity, fully directed downwards). Environmental Network, National NE4 By 2025 CUSP, N&E
and county with key partners
Park City for Galway and Galway
• Continue to collaborate with others Atlantaquaria, to help implement
to make findings from our research Galway City Biodiversity Action Plan.
available and share the benefits of our
approach to promoting, researching, • Co-develop coastal and marine
managing, and enhancing biodiversity biodiversity plans with flagship
on campus to the wider community, community partners, the
including other third level institutions. campus and wider community to
include ocean literacy research,
• Increase campus and wider community learning and conservation.
awareness and appreciation of
biodiversity for its intrinsic value, for
ecosystem health and for personal health
and wellbeing. Sign up to and encourage
Leave No Trace ethos in engagement
with biodiversity and across campus.
22 23Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
6. Health & Wellbeing
At NUI Galway, we recognise that health and We are committed to bridging and
sustainable development are inextricably integrating strategies that promote
linked. Sustainable development aspires to sustainable development with those that
health enhancing environments, societies promote health. For example, we recognise
and economies; health is determined by that by developing biodiverse grounds, we
a wide range of social, environmental and create a health and wellbeing resource
economic influences. The sustainability and that can be used to reduce stress, promote
vitality of our University depends on the coping and improve physical and mental
health of our population, and vice versa. wellbeing. We know that connecting with
As a supporting partner of Healthy Ireland, nature makes people restored, happy, and
we adopt a holistic view of health. We are more motivated to be more physically
committed to helping our communities active. Increasing the availability of clean
attain full physical, social, sexual and mental energy, providing opportunities for active
wellbeing by implementing an ambitious transport, finding ways to reduce waste
programme of health and wellbeing and eliminate single-use plastics, ensuing
objectives, organised around four areas easy access to safe clean drinking water,
(governance & leadership, physical wellbeing, providing healthy, safe and sustainable
mental wellbeing and social wellbeing). food options, and creating opportunities
Objectives are driven by a comprehensive for physical activity all have a positive
health-promoting framework supported by impact on our health and wellbeing, at
Health & the principles of building policy, creating
supportive environments, developing skills,
reorienting services and strengthening
both a community and individual level.
At a global level, we know that health is
Wellbeing
community action. By adopting a whole- centrally positioned in the SDGs, where all
of-university approach, we seek to improve of the goals are directly related to health
the health and wellbeing not only of the or contribute to health indirectly. The
staff, faculty and students who spend goals recognise that our future prosperity
a significant time in our care, but also depends on human health, planetary and
their families and the wider community ecological health and a liveable earth.
in which the university is located.
Strategic Aim
Using a whole-of-university approach, improve the health
and wellbeing of students and staff who live, learn, work
and play in our community by helping them to attain full
physical, social, sexual and mental health and wellbeing.
24 25Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Objectives Physical Wellbeing activity, and in wider community and new buildings and in older buildings
outreach activities, as mechanisms to that are undergoing refurbishment.
• Develop an NUI Galway Healthy Eating promote and improve mental health.
Governance & Leadership and Active Living Policy. Undertake a • Support the provision of affordable and
programme of surveys to determine • Ensure that mental health is a priority in sustainable on-campus accommodation
• Create a health and wellbeing steering all faculties and is part of the teaching for our students, in-line with the NUI
student eating habits. Establish baseline
group with broad membership from curriculum, for example, continue to Galway Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
and increase the availability of healthy,
across the University community build on Student Resilience Project.
sustainable (for example, vegan, • Promote and support sexual
(students and staff) to mobilise
vegetarian, organic), locally sourced, health and wellbeing among
and develop health and wellbeing
efforts under a multi-disciplinary
affordable and fairly traded food options Social Wellbeing the campus community.
in campus outlets. Provide fish from
organisational framework. • Ensure our work and interactions • Achieve the Keep Well Mark; a
sustainable sources, and ensure that
• Identify and establish a baseline animal welfare standards are adhered to. are rooted in trust, respect and staff work positive initiative.
of current health and wellbeing approached with positive intent.
• Develop an NUI Galway 1
Healthy Ireland” is a national framework (2013-2025)
related activities on campus, building • Prioritise opportunities for students to for action set out by the Department of Health to
Substance Use Policy.
on these to improve health and engage in social activities by progressing improve the health and wellbeing of the people of
wellbeing across the University. • Develop and implement a Ireland. The vision is one where everyone can enjoy
the development of social spaces physical and mental health and wellbeing to their
Tobacco Free Campus Policy. and communal areas on campus.
• Develop and implement a Healthy full potential, where wellbeing is supported at every
Campus Charter/Framework. • Identify and establish a baseline of Make provision for social spaces in level of society and is everyone’s responsibility.
current physical activity levels. Increase
• Embed a Healthy Campus Culture
and develop the physical activity
into the governance, strategy
opportunities available to the campus
structures operations and outreach. Ref Measures of success 2025 Target Owner
community and wider community,
• Achieve ‘Healthy Campus Status’ by encouraging everyone to achieve
Mental Health & Wellbeing
creating a learning environment and optimal health or personal goals through
organisational culture that enhances the physical activity and sport. Increase HW1 Achieve the Keep Well Mark By 2021 Human Resources
mental, physical and social wellbeing of the number of campus community
our campus community, enabling our participating in university sports clubs. HW2 Achieve the Healthy Campus Status By 2022 Student Services
people to achieve their full potential. Student Services/
• Promote healthy active HW3 Tobacco Free Campus By 2021
• Work to improve the physical, social, lifestyles by achieving more Healthy Galway City
sexual and mental health and wellbeing sustainable travel patterns. Student Services/
of not only the staff, faculty and Reduce year
• Using the National Active* Consent HW4 Reduced the level of harmful drinking among students. Healthy Galway City/
students who spend a significant on year
Programme developed by researchers Students Union
amount of time in our care, but also
and staff at NUI Galway, make Sexual
their families and the wider community
Consent workshops available to the
in which the university is located.
campus community, in line with the
• Take a whole-university approach to National Sexual Health policy.
improving health and wellbeing, ensuring
the campus community students, staff Mental Wellbeing
and the wider campus community
partners are actively engaged in • Implement, review, and update the
deciding on and implementing health NUI Galway Mental Health Strategy.
and wellbeing promotion actions.
• Establish a campus Mental
• Strengthen interactions, collaborations Health Taskforce.
and partnerships with key external
agencies, for example Local • Continue to promote and support sexual
Authorities, health services, community health and wellbeing among the campus
organisations and local partners. community by increasing the attendance
at, and delivery of workshops and training
• Offer the widest possible access to our programmes seeking to address sexual
health and wellbeing research expertise. and mental health issues (for example,
programmes in the area of internet
safety and cyberbullying awareness).
• Increase participation in university clubs
and societies, through an expanded
programme of exercise and physical
26 27Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
7. Built Environment
WATER
At NUI Galway, we are committed to the effective and efficient use of water resources
because we recognise the economic and environmental cost of providing safe,
clean drinking water and the need to safeguard the supply for the future. Concerted
efforts to reduce water consumption have been ongoing across the campus for
more than a decade, from the completion of an extensive leak detection and repair
programme in 2017, to improved monitoring, equipment upgrades and the adoption
of behaviour change campaigns. In the period 2007/2008 to 2017/2018 alone, we
have successfully reduced by 46% the water usage, per occupant, on campus.
Over the next 5 years, we are committed to maintaining these reductions on campus and
achieving further reductions. We will continue to highlight the importance of water as a
critical and limited resource and eliminate all unnecessary water usage on campus. We will
engage staff, students and visitors in responsible water usage on campus and by example,
encourage responsible water use practice in the wider community. We will continue to
lead and contribute to water research providing sustainable local and global solutions for
water resource management, supply and treatment. Through research-led teaching and on
campus applied solutions, we will ensure that our future water professionals are cognisant
of best, sustainable practises in water resources management, treatment and supply.
Built
Environment
Strategic Aim
To raise awareness with staff, students and visitors of
water as a critical and limited resource that must be
used responsibly. To eliminate all unnecessary water
usage on campus, to maintain and further improve the
water usage reductions achieved on campus in the last
period. To eliminate the reliance of staff, students and
visitors on single use plastics for water consumption.
28 Photo by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang 29Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Built Environment
Objectives • Engage staff, students and visitors in
responsible water usage and water
• To recognise water as a critical consumption reduction at a building WASTE
and limited resource by adopting level and beyond by providing
an NUI Galway Water Policy water consumption information and The University’s approach to waste is an area that students, staff and wider community
inviting inquiry and feedback. are increasingly interested in. How we manage our waste is considered a very visible
• To reduce, from a 2019 reflection of our commitment to sustainability. At NUI Galway, we recognise the need
baseline, water usage in campus • Continue to lead and contribute to to design out waste and move away from linear production and consumption models
buildings by 10% by 2025. research activities in water resources - based on ‘produce, use and dispose’ that are significantly carbon and resource-
management, water usage reduction, intensive. We need to strategise to prevent waste at every opportunity and embrace the
• Continue programme of installing water supply and water treatment. circular economy. A key building block for the circular economy is resource efficiency
water metering and sub-metering on
• Share knowledge and information and efforts to reduce waste. The NUI Galway Strategic Plan 2020-2025 commits to
our largest buildings on campus.
with the wider community about developing a roadmap to move ambitiously towards carbon neutrality by 2030. We
• Continue programme of installing water sustainable water practices locally recognise that development and promotion of practical initiatives relating to circular
saving devices in laboratories, kitchens and globally and by example seek economy is essential in order to fulfil the vision of becoming a carbon neutral university.
workshops and WC facilities across the to encourage responsible water
campus e.g. low flow taps, dual flush use beyond the campus.
WC’s time control on urinal flushes and
showers and low flow shower heads. • Work with staff, students and visitors
to eliminate single-use plastics for
• Incorporate water usage reduction as water consumption by extending
a key project design component as the network of drinking water
part of new buildings and retrofits. For fountains across the campus.
example, identify opportunities to install
rain water harvesting systems in new • Use research led teaching and on
buildings and buildings being retrofitted, campus applied solutions to instil
in line with Statement of Fundamentals. sustainable water practice in our future
generations of water professionals.
• Increase the awareness of staff,
students and visitors of the importance
Strategic Aim
of water as a critical resource that
Prioritise prevention of waste at every opportunity through
must be used responsibly.
eco-design, reuse and repair. Recycle and re-use waste in ways
that promote resource efficiency, reduce cost, protect health
and the environment and move us towards a circular economy.
30 Photo by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang 31Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Built Environment
Objectives • Provide compost bins at all kitchen/
canteen locations throughout the
• Agree and implement a university campus. Provide compost bins in all TRANSPORT
wide Waste Policy, which seeks to go campus student accommodation areas.
beyond the management of waste As a world leading research institution and the largest third level institution in the
• As part of Galway Green Labs West of Ireland, NUI Galway is visited by thousands of students, staff and visitors on a
and addresses how we design out
programme and the new Procurement daily basis. Transport is a fundamental part of daily activities and we are committed to
harmful waste, extend the life cycle
Framework, seek to reduce single-use developing safe, equitable, sustainable travel options that optimise access to education,
of the products we use and prevent
laboratory plastics and promote the employment opportunities, services and impact positively on health and wellbeing.
waste arising in the first place.
use of green products/alternatives. As part of our commitment to sustainable healthy lifestyles and reducing our carbon
• Increase the recycling rate from Substitute single-use plastic with other footprint, we will expand walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure and
52% in 2019 to 55% by 2025. This is reusable materials and work with facilities to promote modal shift; implement policies to reduce carbon intensity of travel
aligned to the national Climate Action suppliers to reduce packaging plastic. and develop working practises that reduce unnecessary journeys and promote work-
Plan targets, which are striving for life balance. This Strategy is linked to the NUI Galway Travel Plan 2016-2020 through
• Ensure the correct segregation,
55% in 2025 and 60% by 2030. which the University commits to promoting sustainable travel options. This strategy is
packaging, labelling and storage of
hazardous waste. Seek to reduce the linked to the Climate Action Plan that aims to make growth less transport intensive.
• Undertake a new campus-wide waste
characterisation survey as part of an quantity of hazardous waste arising
information gathering exercise to onsite, e.g., by adherence to the ‘12
influence and target behavioural change. principles of green chemistry’.
• Work with catering contractors to • Continue to promote student-led
achieve a 50% reduction in food collaborative projects with civil and civic
waste (i.e. kitchen waste and plate society organisations that seek to reduce
waste) from catering outlets by 2025, waste and reuse resources (e.g. second
ahead of the Irish Government’s target hand bookshop, vintage clothes sale).
of halving food waste by 2030.
• Using the campus as a living lab,
• Ban specific single-use plastic increase student engagement on
convenience items including waste as a resource to recycle, reuse Strategic Aim
polystyrene food containers, cups and recover raw materials as part of a
and drinks containers in line with circular economy and bio economy. Support day-to-day operations and planned growth of the
the Single Use Plastics Directive. university, while minimising traffic impact and enhancing
• Be a world leader in research and mobility and sustainable travel options. Working in
• Provide clearly labelled recycling innovation that seeks to optimise waste collaboration with local government and other partners,
facilities at all waste disposal points. as a resource to recover raw materials. endeavour to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.
32 33Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
Objectives • Continue the process of upgrading
university transport fleet with
• Maximise the potential for walking and electric or hybrid vehicles with
cycling by enhancing permeability of the the target of achieving a zero
campus through the creation of high emissions university fleet by 2025.
quality pathways, pedestrian friendly
• Extend the number of e-car charging
entrances, cycle friendly passages
points throughout the campus.
and keeping volume and speed of
vehicular traffic to a minimum. • Make future growth of the University
less transport intensive and support
• Reduce the number of journeys made to
staff wellbeing and work-life balance
campus by car by ensuring that walking,
by supporting a work-from-home /
cycling and public transport remain safe,
remote working protocol.
convenient and predictable options.
Investigate the impact of remote working • Develop and implement University-
and blended learning on travel patterns. related Air Travel Policy to mitigate
Identify innovative ways to reduce single- the climate impacts of air travel
occupancy car journeys to the University. (e.g. international travel pertaining
to study abroad, academic travel
• Maintain and renew cycle parking Ref Measures of success 2025 Target Owner
as part of research). Enhance web/
facilities to ensure adequate, safe,
video conferencing facilities and Built Environment
dedicated bike parking across the
promote video conferencing and
campus, which also facilitates
collaboration technologies as viable Achieve
cargo bikes or child carrying BE1 From a 2019 baseline, reduce total water consumption by 10% Buildings & Estates
alternatives to physical travel. by 2025
trailers. Ensure shower and locker
facilities are in line with demand. • Explore the recruitment of an intern Achieve
Ban specific single-use plastic convenience items including
Travel Plan Co-ordinator to play a lead by 2021 Buildings & Estates/
• Continue to promote bike share polystyrene food containers, cups and drinks containers.
role in the effective implementation of BE2 Commercial
scheme, travel to work scheme and Achieve Services/CUSP
the Travel plan, to promote sustainable Reduce food wastage (kitchen and plate waste) by 50%
the tax saver commuter scheme by 2025
transport to student staff and the
through targeted awareness initiatives.
wider community and to liaise with Establish baseline transport carbon footprint Buildings &
Promote active travel campaigns such BE3 2025
key stakeholder including NTA, GCC by 2021 and reduce year on year Estates/CUSP
as pedometer and cycle challenges, fun
and interested parties in the local
runs, bike maintenance classes, etc.
community e.g. cycle user groups.
• Liaise with Galway City Council (GCC)
• Collaborate comprehensively with
and National Transport Authority (NTA) to
students and staff and make best use
raise awareness of deficiencies in Galway
of world leading research within the
City’s pedestrian and cycle network.
University to reach these objectives.
Collaborate to increase opportunities
for sustainable transportation.
• Endeavour to influence GCC and NTA
to expedite NUI Galway’s access to the
Galway Transport Strategy’s proposed
‘Public Transport Interchange’. In
the process, enhance bus service
provision, access to bus services and
bus service/timetable information.
34 35Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025
8. Governance & Leadership
At NUI Galway, we are committed to playing a central and
transformational role in attaining the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). As signatories of the SDG Accord, we have committed
to aligning all major efforts with the SDGs, targets and indicators,
including through our education, research, leadership, operational
and engagement activities. Since launching our inaugural sustainability
strategy in November 2017, we have made significant process in this
regard. Through extensive consultation with the university and wider
community, sustainability was selected as one of four key values
that shapes the University’s overall Strategic Plan: Shared Vision,
Shaped by Values, which was launched in December 2019. As a
university community, we are deeply committed to sustainability and
have an ambition to lead the just transition to a sustainable future
on our campus, in our city and region and around the world.
Governance
& Leadership
Strategic Aim
CUSP will provide leadership in the transition to a sustainable
future through our teaching, research, professional
support services, actions and impacts. We will sustainably
manage our campus and all our external affairs and
become a role model for similar organisations, by our
positive impact on the environment and society. We will
develop our graduates as future sustainability leaders
in Ireland and globally, developing the next generation
of students, researchers and innovators for tackling the
world’s evolving sustainable development challenges.
36 Photo by Dr. Chaosheng Zhang 37You can also read
