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UCC becomes first University in Europe to achieve prestigious sustainability rating
University College Cork (UCC) has become the first and only university in Europe to achieve one of the world’s most prestigious sustainability ratings.
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), is the world's leading framework for measuring and publicly reporting sustainability performance in higher education, and UCC has obtained a Platinum rating, placing it alongside leading global institutions including Cornell University, Stanford University and the University of California.
The rating recognises excellence in sustainability performance across all aspects of university activity, including teaching and learning, research, campus operations, governance, community engagement and leadership.
Fossil fuel usage cut by 41%
UCC has consistently pioneered sustainability initiatives within the higher education sector both in Ireland and globally.
In 2010, the University became the first higher education institution in the world to be awarded a Green Flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the sector. UCC was the first university in Ireland to introduce a farm-to-fork programme in 2016, promoting sustainable food systems and local sourcing across campus.
Since 2017, UCC has reduced fossil-fuel-related carbon emissions by 41 per cent. The University has also prevented more than eight million disposable cups from entering landfill following the introduction of Ireland's first university-wide reusable cup policy and a complete ban on disposable cups in 2023.
Through its Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, launched in 2023, the University has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and becoming zero-waste certified by 2030.
Shaping national policy
UCC research has underpinned Ireland’s national energy and climate policy for the past 20 years, where its Sustainability Institute, brings together over 400 researchers from across disciplines to develop evidence-based solutions to societal and economic challenges. Ireland’s national research centre aimed at decarbonising its economy, Rinn Energy, has also been recently been announced as being hosted at UCC.
The University's academic mission is equally shaped by sustainability. All academic programmes have been mapped against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that graduates are equipped to address the environmental, social and economic challenges facing society. UCC also started, Ireland's first dedicated University Sustainability Academy, which provides professional education and training for industry, business, local authorities, public bodies and community organisations.
Universities have a responsibility
Welcoming the announcement, UCC President John O'Halloran said: "Universities have a responsibility not only to generate knowledge but also to lead by example. At UCC, sustainability is central to our mission and values. Achieving a STARS Platinum rating is a significant recognition of the commitment and ambition of our staff, students, alumni and partners, all of whom have contributed to making sustainability a defining feature of our institution. While we are proud of this achievement, we remain focused on the work ahead as we strive to create a more sustainable future for our communities and for the planet."
More than 1,200 higher education institutions, across 52 countries, participate in the STARS programme. AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser congratulated UCC on its achievement: "STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to recognise and advance sustainability leadership in higher education. UCC has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to sustainability through its achievement of a STARS Platinum rating, and we congratulate the University on this significant accomplishment."
Reflecting on the recognition, UCC's Head of Sustainability and Climate Action, Maria Kirrane, said: "Achieving Platinum status reflects years of sustained effort across the University community. It recognises the progress we have made in embedding sustainability into our operations, teaching, research and engagement activities. We are proud to have reached this milestone and look forward to continuing to drive innovation and ambition in sustainability both within UCC and across the higher education sector."