Sustainable Futures is focused on climate action, environmental sustainability, and decarbonisation in industry and enterprise. It aims to empower leaders to act so that humans and nature can thrive for generations to come.  

The Sustainable Futures Lab at University College Cork is a convening point for cutting-edge knowledge and thought leadership, innovation, learning, communication and dialogue on sustainability. Our community, collaborative environment and educational programmes will produce leaders who are equipped to lead the transition to sustainable enterprise practices. Programmes include part-time and full-time, online and in-person postgraduate programmes and continuous professional development offerings.  

Funded by the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative, Sustainable Futures is led by University College Cork in collaboration with Maynooth University, the Atlantic Technological University and multiple industry partners. 

UCC is a national and global leader in Sustainability and was ranked 8th in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in 2021 for its work related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable Futures leverages University College Cork’s Sustainability Strategy and the interdisciplinary strengths and capacity developed over 20 years within the Environmental Research Institute and its reach across 20 disciplines at University College Cork. It also draws on the strength of University College Cork’s commitment and success in their Green Campus initiative, which embeds sustainability in all university strategies and activities.  

Maynooth University’s School of Business is a management education research leader whose expertise includes contributions in the field of sustainability in management education. Maynooth University’s teaching is supported by the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Unit (ICARUS). Atlantic Technological University has recognised expertise in Environmental Science and Management and is the leading Irish HEI in the delivery of online/blended learning programmes in partnership with industry. Atlantic Technological University has a significant record of engaging with industry, both in the design and delivery of programmes. Atlantic Technological University's third level educational programmes are informed by research at their Centre for Environmental Research Innovation and Sustainability.  

Sustainable Futures enterprise partners include Microsoft, Musgraves, Carbery Group, Mannock Holdings and Glenveagh Properties. These represent a cross-section of commercially important sectors. Sustainable Futures is committed to working closely with our current and future enterprise partners to design and deliver on climate action and sustainability in enterprise solutions and educational programmes.