56 Sustainability at UCD SDG Dashboard

Dr Ainhoa González introduced the UCD SDG Dashboard, an interactive, co-created digital platform that centralises sustainability information across the campus. Designed to make UCD’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals more visible, the dashboard allows students, staff, and the wider community to explore sustainability initiatives in a dynamic, map-based format.

Developed with HEA SATLE funding and through a student–staff co-creation process, the dashboard builds on survey input from nearly 1,400 respondents and consultations with key stakeholders, including UCD Estates, the Energy Institute, and student societies. The result is a tool that brings together over 100 data layers on sustainable infrastructure, services, and initiatives, covering everything from energy and water use to biodiversity, transport, and community projects.

The dashboard is structured around the 17 SDGs, with each goal linked to its own interactive web map. Users can click on campus features to access detailed information—such as building energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, or the location of water fountains—supported by photos and contextual data. A citizen science feedback function allows users to submit new information or suggest improvements, ensuring continuous growth and accuracy.

Already, the dashboard has been embedded in teaching, particularly within sustainability and geography modules, where students use it for data collection, analysis, and applied projects. It also supports operational planning, helping identify gaps and opportunities for targeted action.

Dr González highlighted the dashboard as both a practical educational tool and a transparency mechanism, empowering the UCD community to understand, monitor, and contribute to sustainability efforts in real time.

About the author

name: Dr Ainhoa González

institution: University College Dublin