News
2022 Highlights
Here's a glance at some of UCC's sustainable highlights and achievements in 2022, covering topics such as energy, digital badges, Plastic Free UCC, community and awards.
Energy Use
In October, UCC launched its #reduceyouruse campaign to advance energy efficiency across campus. UCC Green Campus continues to work closely with the SEAI and the OPW to run an intensive communications campaign on how we can conserve energy at work and in the home.
Plastic-Free UCC
On 6 Dec 2022, UCC announced that on 2 Jan 2023, UCC would be single-use plastic free. Disposable cups and plastic bottles will no longer be available on campus.
This will save 140k plastic bottles and 370k disposable coffee cups from being consumed every year.
Community
UCC Green Campus and UCC Enactus society organised monthly community markets, highlighting the work of local artists and sustainable businesses.
UCC Environmental Society also organised a range of engaging events over the course of the year.
Awards
UCC was awsarded the top prize of Sustainability Institution of the Year at this year's Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland.
UCC won the Times Higher Education DataPoints Merit Award for sustainability.
UCC was also awarded best medium-large business at this year's PwC Sustainable Business Awards.
Digital Badges
UCC Green Campus launched two digital badge courses this year. 'Learning and Teaching with the SDGs' is a short online course for teaching staff to learn how they can integrate the SDG framework into their modules and programmes.
'UCC Carbon Literacy Training' was launched in November 2022, which helps students and staff understand how climate change is affecting them and how it will impact their lives in the future.