To mark Climate Action Week, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, launched IT Sligo’s Sustainability Strategy and Charter during a visit to the campus on the Friday 15th October.
The Institute who were recently awarded the Green Campus flag, passed the Sustainability Strategy and Charter at the Governing Body meeting on Wednesday. The passed Charter states the institute’s commitment to meet, or exceed, environmental compliance obligations, de-carbonise its activities and include sustainability in all decision making.
The institute has also committed to a sustainable management of materials and resources, including energy, water, waste, hazardous substances, chemicals, and the elimination of single use plastics, where feasible
Minister Martin said it was commendable and important the institute publicly states the commitment to a more sustainable future:
“It is really commendable to see the Institute launch their sustainability strategy and publicly commit to ambitious sustainability targets. The higher education sector has a huge role to play in catalysing change – right across our society – to more sustainable practices. This is essential if we are to meet our commitments to Europe and the World by 2030.
I am particularly encouraged to see such a collaborative approach – we understand that our climate crisis affects everyone, and it is wonderful to see such an inclusive strategy that reflects the importance of collaboration and partnership.
I look forward to following how it progresses over the coming months and years.”
President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan McCormack said the launch of the Sustainability Strategy and Charter is a really important and positive step for the Institute;
“For the first time we are clearly communicating our commitment to a more sustainable future and have a clear plan of action for the next five years. As an Institute of Higher Education, transitioning to a Technological University, we know that we have a really important role to play in the development of a more sustainable society.
This means reducing our own damaging impacts on the environment, and also leverage our capacity to research, innovate and support developments so that we can galvanise the community in this common fight to safeguard our future and the wellbeing of our planet.”
The Institute has been a leader in environmental issues for decades having launched the first Environmental Science courses in the country over 40 years ago.
Prof Frances Lucy, Head of Department of Environmental Science at IT Sligo said the strategy and charter will help drive a more positive culture towards sustainability:
‘ In this time of climate emergency, our new sustainability strategy and charter provide an excellent roadmap for targeted actions in all our activities. Integrating sustainability in teaching and learning and via Green Campus activities, will drive and direct a positive culture and commitment towards a sustainable future for IT Sligo and our wider community in the northwest.’
IT Sligo’s Sustainability Officer, Fiona Britton thanked the Minister for launching the initiative and said it was only possible with the hard work and dedication of students and staff of the Green Campus Committee:
“It is a really proud day for the Institute and our Green Campus student committee who have worked so hard to build a culture that supports and integrates sustainability right across our campus. Two years ago, we started this process with a workshop, asking all our stakeholders to share their vision for a sustainable campus at IT Sligo, and here we are today, putting that vision into a solid plan – a plan that is supported by our students, staff, and management. We know it’s just the beginning, and it isn’t going to be easy, but it feels really positive to have a common commitment and vision for change.”