Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 83.66
Liaison Philippe Lemarchand
Submission Date Dec. 2, 2024

STARS v3.0

Technological University Dublin
PA-2: Commitments and Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 5.67 / 6.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

2.1 Public sustainability commitment

Has the institution made a public commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by an external commitment or a published plan?:
Yes

Narrative detailing the institution’s guiding vision or goals for sustainability and the plan(s) in which they are published:
TU Dublin’s sustainability vision is centered around its commitment to creating a sustainable, equitable, and environmentally responsible institution, as outlined in several key documents, including the Strategic Intent 2030, the Climate Action Roadmap, and the UN SDGs Progress Report. These plans collectively frame the university’s approach to addressing sustainability challenges and embedding sustainability into its core operations.
 
Key Elements of TU Dublin’s Sustainability Vision:
Strategic Intent 2030: TU Dublin’s Strategic Intent 2030 serves as the primary guiding document for sustainability. It focuses on three key pillars:
 
People: Promoting well-being, inclusion, and engagement within the university community.
Planet: Aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the university’s operations by targeting carbon neutrality, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting environmental education.
Partnership: Building strong collaborations to advance sustainability goals locally and globally, particularly through partnerships aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Climate Action Roadmap: TU Dublin has also developed a Climate Action Roadmap as part of its broader sustainability strategy. This roadmap outlines the university’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and transitioning to a more sustainable campus environment. The roadmap provides clear targets for reducing carbon footprints across operations, improving building efficiency, and increasing renewable energy usage.
 
The Climate Action Roadmap aligns closely with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and involves engaging with staff, students, and external stakeholders to meet carbon reduction targets in line with the Irish government’s climate goals.
 
UN SDGs Progress Report 2020: The UN SDGs Progress Report highlights TU Dublin’s alignment with the global SDGs, particularly in areas like SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The report tracks the university’s sustainability initiatives and its impact on the wider community through education, research, and partnerships aimed at fostering sustainable development.
 
Key Plans and Publications:
Strategic Intent 2030: Focuses on embedding sustainability into all university functions.
Climate Action Roadmap: Provides a specific plan for addressing carbon emissions and achieving climate-related goals.
UN SDGs Progress Report 2020: Monitors the university’s progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
These documents collectively highlight TU Dublin’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, with clear objectives to reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to the global sustainability agenda.

Narrative and/or website URL outlining the institution’s external sustainability commitments that include a reporting requirement:
The following URL and documents highlight our sustainability commitments that include reporting requirements:
Strategic Intent 2030 (Ref 1)
Sustainability Strategy (Ref 2)
Climate Action Roadmap (updated every 6 to 12 months) (Ref 3)
TU-Dublin-UN-Sustainability-Goals-Progress-Reports (Ref 4 and Ref 5)
 
URL References:
Ref 1: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/about-the-university/strategicintent/2030/ 
 
Ref 2: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/about-the-university/sustainability/vision--progress/sustainability-strategy/ 
 
Ref 3: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/about-the-university/sustainability/vision--progress/sustainability-strategy/climate-action-roadmap/ 
 
Ref 4: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/strategic-plan/creating-impact/documents/TU-Dublin-UN-Sustainability-Goals-Progress-Report-2020.pdf 
 
Ref 5: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/strategic-plan/creating-impact/documents/TU-Dublin-UN-Sustainability-Goals-Progress-Report-2021.pdf 

The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:

Points earned for indicator PA 2.1:
2

2.2 Measurable sustainability objectives

Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address teaching, learning, and research?:
Yes

Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address teaching, learning, and research:
The TU Dublin Strategic Intent 2023 (Ref 1) sets out that "All programmes will have sustainability as a learning outcome".
The University Strategic Plan 2024-2028 sets out (p9) that "We will ensure that all staff and students engage in sustainability education & training in the period, to equip them with the appropriate knowledge, skills and tools to help address the sustainability agenda effectively." and more specifically that "All staff and students will have engaged in sustainability education & training by 2028".
This objective will be supported by the Sustainability Office and more specifically the Sustainability Education Team (Ref 2)
 
URL References:
Ref 1: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/about-the-university/strategicintent/2030/ 
 
Ref 2: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/about-the-university/sustainability/about/sustainability-team/sustainability-education/ 

Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address stakeholder engagement?:
Yes

Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address stakeholder engagement:
TU Dublin’s measurable sustainability objectives regarding stakeholder engagement are set in both its Strategic Intent 2030 (Ref 1) and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within the Strategic Intent 2030, the institution defines three major pillars: people, planet, and partnership. Under the partnership pillar, one of the key objectives is to establish a tightly connected network to "make things happen" through innovation and close collaboration with stakeholders.
 
Additionally, in TU Dublin’s UN Sustainability Goals Progress Report 2020 (Ref 2), the institution reaffirms its commitment to working towards the SDGs, specifically noting SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals—as a measurable objective. This objective emphasizes TU Dublin's focus on fostering partnerships with stakeholders as a critical part of its mission to achieve sustainable development.
 
By clearly aligning with SDG 17 and incorporating stakeholder engagement into its strategic planning, TU Dublin has established partnership development as a measurable and integral part of its sustainability efforts.
 
URL References:
Ref 1: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/equality-and-diversity/TU-Dublin-Strategic-Intent-2030.pdf 
 
Ref 2: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/strategic-plan/creating-impact/documents/TU-Dublin-UN-Sustainability-Goals-Progress-Report-2020.pdf 

Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address campus operations?:
Yes

Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address campus operations:

1.     TU Dublin Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028 (Ref 1) include clear measurable sustainability objectives for which the sponsor is the VP of Sustainability, and the lead is Rosie Webb. In page 9, our campus related targets are 46.5% reduction in GHG emissions by 2028, and 45% increase in energy efficiency by 2028. These targets are in line with the Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP21) whereby the public sector must lead by example on climate action to reach the target of reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and becoming climate neutral no later than 2050. (Ref 2)

URL References:

Ref 1: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/strategic-plan/documents/Strategic-Plan-2024-2028-FINAL.pdf

Ref 2: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/337b6-public-sector-climate-action-mandate/


Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address racial equity and social justice?:
Yes

Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address racial equity and social justice:

TU Dublin Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028 (Ref 1) includes a KPI on the “Successful delivery of EDI Action Plans”, led by Prof. Yvonne Galligan, (Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) with 3 targets, namely the attainment of certification from Athena Swan, the Race Equality Plan, and Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment (ESVH) (Ref 2). TU Dublin Athena Swan Action Plan (Ref 3) include targets such as, on Page 3, achieving gender balance (at least 40% female and 40% male) at all senior decision making levels, and will be diverse on other grounds.

 

URL References:
Ref 1: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/strategic-plan/documents/Strategic-Plan-2024-2028-FINAL.pdf
Ref 2: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/about-the-university/equality-and-diversity/strategy-policies-action-plans/action-plans/
Ref 3: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/equality-and-diversity/documents/AthenaSwan_-Action-Plan.pdf

 


Has the institution adopted one or more measurable sustainability objectives that address administration and finance?:
Yes

Narrative listing the institution’s measurable sustainability objectives that address administration and finance:
TU Dublin has adopted measurable sustainability objectives addressing administration and finance, as reflected in their Climate Action Roadmap and STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) initiatives. Key objectives include:
 
Sustainability Reporting and Performance: TU Dublin’s Climate Action Roadmap outlines specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving sustainability across operations, providing a framework for monitoring and reporting. Additionally, the STARS program helps TU Dublin track and assess sustainability performance across a wide range of operational and administrative categories. (Ref 1 and Ref 2)
 
Financial Savings from Sustainability Initiatives: The university is committed to optimising campus energy, conserving water, and reducing waste to achieve financial savings and environmental benefits. (Ref 3)
 
Sustainable Investment: TU Dublin has committed to divesting from investments tied to fossil fuels, aligning its financial practices with sustainable principles. (Ref 4)
 
Student and Staff Wellbeing: Through initiatives like the Healthy TU Dublin Action Plan, the university promotes health and well-being among its community, aligning with STARS criteria on well-being and campus environment. (Ref 5 and Ref 2)
 
URL References:
Ref 1: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/about-the-university/sustainability/vision--progress/sustainability-strategy/climate-action-roadmap/ 
 
Ref 2: https://stars.aashe.org/ 
 
Ref 3: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/sustainability/documents/TU-Dublin-Sustainability-Statement-UET-April-2022-Rev1.pdf 
 
Ref 4: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/strategic-plan/creating-impact/documents/TU-Dublin-Climate-Action-Plan-November-2020.pdf 
 
Ref 5: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/sustainability/documents/TU-Dublin-Sustainability-Statement-UET-April-2022-Rev1.pdf 

The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:

Points earned for indicator PA 2.2:
3

2.3 Climate resilience assessment and planning

Has the institution conducted a baseline assessment to identify vulnerabilities and resilience activities related to climate change on campus and in the local community?:
No

Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the institution’s climate resilience assessment:
---

Does the institution participate in an ongoing campus-community task force or committee that is focused on climate resilience?:
Yes

Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the campus-community task force or committee focused on climate resilience:

TU Dublin Sustainability Office members participate to sustainable energy communities (SEC) sponsored by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) such as SEC of Phisborough (Ref 1) and the Bohemian Football Club (Ref 2), of Cabra (Ref 3), and of Stoneybatter (Ref 4 and Ref 5).

TU Dublin Grangegorman campus is located within Stoneybatter geographical area and the other two SEC are bordering with TU Dublin Grangegorman campus. The three SECs thereby form a campus-community task force.

through and with the SECs TU Dublin members conduct climate resilience activities. SEC activities include the decarbonisation of the building environment (e.g. façade upgrades, integration of renewable sources and heat pumps), the development of sustainable transportation project (e.g. raising issues on public transport, calling for the development of bike lanes, free bike repairs to the communities, supporting the installation of bike shelters), the greening of space and biodiversity actions (e.g. avoiding trees being destroyed for the development of a new drive lane, adding trees and green spaces in communities). See for example this article about the Cabra SEC and their flood alleviation project (Ref 7) to address the impact of more frequent extreme weather events, “Cabra has been badly flooded in the past; floods in 2008 and 2011 were particularly damaging.”  SECs educate communities on Climate and Energy Resilience with implementation is facilitated through SEAI grants made available to community members.

TU Dublin Grangegorman is on the territory of Stoneybatter SEC. Any energy and carbon reduction resulting from TU Dublin effort will count towards the SEC progress. In addition, TU Dublin district heating project is investigated how much geothermal energy could be generated to optimise its use for the campus operation and the neighbourhoods. Overall, all Climate Resilience activities planned in the Climate Action Roadmap will contribute to TU Dublin communities.

SEC members can raise interests, needs, concerns and requests for help to the Grangegorman Development Agencies (Ref 6) and TU Dublin functions (e.g Sustainability Office, Estates and Campus Planning) to develop collaborative strategic actions.

 

URL References:

Ref 1: https://www.phibsborovillage.com/

Ref 2: https://www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-community/sustainable-energy-communities/sec-map/index.xml?id=940

Ref 3: https://connectingcabra.ie/

Ref 4: https://x.com/cosybatter

Ref 5: https://www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-community/sustainable-energy-communities/sec-map/index.xml?id=617

Ref 6: https://ggda.ie/agency/introduction

Ref 7: https://horticultureconnected.ie/horticulture-connected-print/local-action-systemic-change-combating-climate-change-in-dublin-7/


Has the institution incorporated climate resilience strategies and/or goals into one or more of its published plans?:
Yes

Narrative listing the institution’s climate resilience strategies and goals and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Climate Action Roadmap (Ref 1) include the decarbonisation roadmap for scope 1 and 2. A more descriptive plan will be published later.
 
URL References:
Ref 1: https://www.tudublin.ie/media/website/explore/about-the-university/sustainability/documents/Climate-Action-Roadmap-June-2024-web.pdf 

The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:

Points earned for indicator PA 2.3:
0.67

Optional documentation

Notes about the information provided for this credit:
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Additional documentation for this credit:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.