Virtual Study Visit Highlights UCC's Comprehensive Green Strategy

On 25 and 27 March, a HERE virtual study visit shed light on University College Cork's (UCC)  approach to sustainability and greening within the broader Irish and European contexts. The virtual event provided an in-depth look at UCC’s integration of sustainability into its institutional mission, with a special focus on its Green Campus strategy.

Event Overview

The virtual visit explored UCC’s extensive efforts in embedding sustainability across various facets of its operations, including research, education, governance, administration, internationalisation, and digitalisation. A significant emphasis was placed on the impact of these greening activities on the surrounding community, student engagement, and alignment with both national and European policies.

Objectives of the Study Visit

The HERE study visit aimed to:

1. Insight into Institutional Strategies: Provide a comprehensive understanding of UCC’s approach to incorporating sustainability and greening into its policies, practices, and educational frameworks. This includes curriculum design, research, digitalization, governance, and campus management.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Examine how UCC’s green strategy interacts with various stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, the public sector, and youth.
3. National and European Context: Explore Ireland's national greening strategy for higher education and its relation to broader European goals, highlighting both the challenges and successes of sustainable practices within the Irish higher education sector.
4. Role of Higher Education: Discuss how national strategies can enhance the role of higher education in advancing environmental sustainability and leveraging opportunities for growth.
5. Alignment with Global Frameworks: Understand how UCC’s initiatives align with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal, and how Erasmus programs support these objectives.

Background Information

For further details on UCC's sustainability initiatives, visit the following resources:

• Office of Sustainability and Climate Action
• Sustainability and Climate Action Plan 2023 - 2028
• Greenshoots Green Campus Programme
• SDSN at UCC
• Irish Tree Explorers Network Project
• UCC International Office Swap Shop
• SDG Toolkit

The visit reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to sustainability and provided valuable insights into how higher education institutions can effectively contribute to environmental and societal goals.