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A Sustainable Student Experience

Learn about UCD's Commitment and Approach to Sustainability

A white swan glides across a calm lake on a sunny day, with modern university buildings and green trees reflected in the clear blue water at University College Dublin’s campus.

Sustainability at UCD

UCD is committed to constantly improving sustainability on campus and throughout the university in general. UCD is also committed to working to further the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout its teaching and operations. In the 2021 Times Higher Education world rankings of how universities worked to achieve the SDGs, UCD was ranked number 22 in the world! 

UCD Global is proud to actively work on sustainability initiatives and support international students in having a more eco-friendly student experience in a number of ways.

Watch the video to hear the UCD Global Ethical Consumption and Sustainability Committee's contribution to the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE) European Summit.

On this page

A smiling student stands beside a bicycle with a wicker basket in a busy campus bike parking area, surrounded by rows of bicycles and bare trees on a cloudy day.

A Sustainable International Student Experience

To ensure that the international student experience at UCD is as sustainable as possible, we provide the following supports for students:

  • Orientation workshops: Right from the beginning of your student journey at UCD we will assist you in understanding recycling on campus and in Ireland in general, how to practice everyday eco-friendly habits and where to find further resources about campus initiatives.
  • Green Guide: This digital guide contains resources and information on sustainable travelling, transport, living, shopping, and recycling in Dublin. Download your copy of the UCD Green Guide today.
  • Green Erasmus+: UCD Global promotes the Green Erasmus+ initiative by the EU Commission which aims to support sustainable Erasmus projects and student mobility. Find out more about the G(opens in a new window)reen Erasmus+ initiative. 
Cherry blossom tree with building in the background.

Sustainability at UCD Global

UCD Global has led several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions among university staff, and to support students in becoming more sustainable.

To learn more about how UCD is supporting and communicating sustainability efforts across its campus, education, research and wider community visit the UCD Sustainability website.

Achievements in Sustainability at UCD

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Alt text: A group of students and staff standing together indoors, smiling and holding certificates after completing the UCD Global Big Zero programme.
UCD Global Big Zero Programme

Thirty-two international students at UCD became the first to complete the UCD Global Big Zero programme, earning carbon literacy certificates accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project.
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UCD VIA Awards logo featuring the word “VIA” filled with photos of award recipients holding their certificates. The text below reads, “Time to recognise colleagues who bring the UCD Values to life.
VIA Awards 2025

The UCD Global Leadership Team were recognised for their outstanding commitment to sustainability, receiving a VIA Award nomination in the Driving Sustainability category.
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A cyclist with a pink backpack rides past the O’Brien Centre for Science at University College Dublin.
UCD Global joins the Climate Action Barometer

In a major step towards advancing sustainability across the university’s international activities, UCD Global will work closely with the Climate Action Barometer team to embed sustainable practices into every aspect of its global engagement strategy.
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Aerial view of University College Dublin’s campus with a green overlay in the center that reads “We are taking climate action now.”
UCD is first Higher Education Institute in Ireland to sign CANIE Accord

UCD became the first higher education institution in Ireland to sign the CANIE Accord. This global initiative unites universities and international education professionals in taking meaningful climate action and embedding sustainable practices across the sector.
Ana Neary image
My name is Ana. I’m from the United States, and I’m studying the BSc Sustainability programme. I chose to study this course at UCD because the programme sounded really exciting, and the campus is a great place to live!
Ana Neary, North America, BSc Sustainability
Pedestrians and cyclists use a wide pathway curved around a lake on UCD campus.

Download your Green Guide

Have a more sustainable student experience with our Green Guide.

Download the Green Guide

Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4.
T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map(opens in a new window)