Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has launched Ireland’s Climate Action Week at University of Galway today.
The event coincided with the University being awarded Green Campus status for a second time by An Taisce and the raising of the Green Flag at a special ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by Energy Performance Officers from each of Ireland’s universities, along with government representatives.
President Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh welcomed guests to the launch of Climate Action Week and the Green Flag ceremony in the Quadrangle today.
He said that the university puts values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability at the core of its teaching, learning and research, and also in the operations of the busy campus.
He said that they will continue to push forward to respond to global challenges as part of their central mission to serve the public good.
Climate Action Week, which runs from October 10-16, offers a range of online and in-person events which aim to inform citizens, increase awareness and highlight the need for urgent climate action by all sectors of society.
University of Galway was awarded the prestigious Green Flag by An Taisce and the International Foundation of Environmental Education for three years for the quality of its campus and the environment and sustainability drive.
The Green Flag is a visual sign of the commitment made in reducing the environmental footprint associated with campus operations.
University of Galway Environmental, Health & Safety Manager in Buildings & Estates, Lorraine Rushe, said the Green Flag is the result of many years of hard work by staff and students,
“It recognises the engagement by students and staff and the vast effort and hard work that is ongoing in the areas of energy, waste, water, travel and biodiversity.”
