UCC Named World’s Best University for Recycling and Sustainability

Times Higher Education has ranked University College Cork number 1 on their actions towards the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The process of ranking took into consideration how the college researches, operates, sustainability reports and recycling programmes.In 2007, the Green Campus programmed was launched in UCC. Through the programme, the college improved its recycling facilities and addresses waste management around the grounds.Since the introduction of this programme, UCC has cut its carbon emissions by 36%, planted 2,500 trees on campus and increased the number of people cycling by 90%. Boole Library, the busiest and most energy-intensive building on campus, has see a 9% reduction in energy use and a 700% increase in recycling through its own sustainability programme. €40,000 has been saved through these energy reductions.UCC is the first university in the world to be awarded a Green Flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education, a global organisation that embeds sustainability throughout the education process.87% of students worldwide want to see sustainability more actively promoted on campus with over half believing that sustainability should be on the syllabus. Students in UCC are well used to seeing the use of Keep Cups and biodegradable products on campus. The staff and students should be encouraged by this award.