45 Strategic Overview and IADT Roadmap

Rónán Ó Muirthile outlined IADT’s emerging climate and sustainability roadmap, positioning the institute’s strategy as both an operational and educational framework for embedding ESD. He emphasised that while IADT is early in its journey, the language of sustainability is now explicit in its institutional strategy, committing to embedding climate action into curricula, daily practices, and decision-making.

Concrete progress has already been made: energy usage has been reduced by 33.5% since 2020, a Climate Action Committee and student “Planeteers” network are active, and a dedicated Sustainability and Climate Officer is being recruited to coordinate efforts. Challenges remain, particularly with older building stock requiring deep retrofitting, but targets are aligned with 2030 national and SEAI goals.

Mr Ó Muirthile stressed the importance of agency and communication, highlighting how sustainability initiatives must empower students rather than exacerbate climate anxiety. Through staff training, revised procurement policies, and everyday operational changes, IADT is embedding sustainability across institutional culture.

A materiality survey with staff and students revealed near-universal prioritisation of sustainability themes, underscoring the demand for action at all levels. For Mr Ó Muirthile, the next critical step is developing a formal ESD strategy, ensuring sustainability permeates all programmes rather than being confined to standalone modules. He concluded that the challenge ahead is to move from strong policy language to consistent, embedded practice that combines operational change with transformative education.

About the author

name: Rónán O Muirthile

institution: Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Rónán O Muirthile is the Head of Faculty and Climate Champion at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology.