9 Education for Sustainable Development at UCC: An Overview

Dr David Nyaluke provides an overview of UCC’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, tracing its ESD journey from student activism in 2007 to institution-wide initiatives today. Early momentum was driven by students who called for greater environmental engagement, leading UCC to become the first university worldwide to receive a Green Flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education in 2010. The establishment of the Green Forum in 2013, chaired by the university president and involving staff and students, further embedded sustainability into governance.

Over the years, milestones have included international recognition for integrating sustainability into the curriculum (2018), the launch of Living Labs (2019), and the development of a university-wide Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. UCC has also pioneered initiatives such as a plastic-free campaign, saving millions of single-use items, and continues to support student-led projects, including the creation of a campus sustainable food policy.

Dr Nyaluke frames his current role around three interlinked pillars: embedding sustainability within the curriculum and research; supporting student-led initiatives; and building an enabling ecosystem across campus operations, teaching, and community engagement. He also highlights innovative approaches such as the SDGs to 2030 Game, a simulation that fosters systems thinking and problem-solving.

UCC’s story demonstrates how student activism, institutional leadership, and collaborative frameworks can drive transformative change and ensure ESD is woven into the fabric of the university.

About the author

name: Dr David Nyaluke

institution: University College Cork

Dr David Nyaluke is the Education for Sustainable Development Officer at the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) at University College Cork.