UL were last night highly commended at the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Green Gown Awards (UK and Ireland) for their proactive work in achieving a modal shift towards more sustainable forms of travel to and from campus.
UL became a signatory of the Smarter Travel Charter in June 2013 i.e. a joint initiative between Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council and UL. Since then UL has invested a significant amount of money on improving physical infrastructure on campus including shared pedestrian/cycle paths; secured covered bicycle parking; additional shower facilities; better access for public transport; and, additional car pooling spaces.This coupled with softer measures such as a free bike mechanic (weekly); free bike maintenance training; free fleet bikes (loan for up to a week); a regular pop-up bike shop; Smarter Travel challenges (e.g. Marchathon, Change Lanes Challenge); video promotions and much much more are amongst the initiatives that have encouraged staff and students alike to travel smarter.
Pictured above are UL Smarter Travel Coordinators Ross Higgins (far left) and Seán Collins (far right) with Director of Buildings and Estates (UL) Robert Reidy (centre) at the Green Gown Awards
UL’s Highly commended citation as it appears in the Green Gown Awards 2016 Winners’ brochure
Other awards news:
Unfortunately UL joined with University College Cork and Queens University Belfast as runners up to NVP Energy in the Research Category of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2016 which were held in Dublin on November 3rd.
UL’s research centred on increasing energy efficiency through behaviour change means.
Facilities Manager Ian O’ Donoghue (left) and Energy Manger Dr Chris Fogarty (right) who were named as finalists in the Research Category of the 2016 Sustainable Energy Awards
Related articles:
UL shortlisted for prestigious Green Gown award
UL nominated in Research Category of Sustainable Energy Awards 2016