Gmit castlebar green campus

GMIT Castlebar

Green-Campus

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

GMIT Castlebar Green-Campus

The autumn of 2008 saw GMIT Castlebar embark on an inspirational journey toward greener pastures. Together students and staff established an active green-community to expand environmental awareness and support practical action. Several progressive green policies were introduced guided by The Green-Campus Programme.

GMIT Castlebar developed strategies and implemented significant changes in waste, energy and water management. Following three years dedication to the programme in spring 2011 their accomplishments were recognised becoming the first Institute of Technology in Ireland awarded a Green Flag .

“The GMIT Castlebar Green-Campus Committee is unique in many respects and will, I am sure, be an example and inspiration to many more third-level institutions not only in

Ireland but throughout the entire network of countries.”

Mrs Patricia Oliver. Director of An Táisce Environmental Education Unit.

Today the green-community continue to nurture campus sustainability currently focusing on initiatives under the themes of biodiversity and transport.

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

The Green-Campus Programme.

The innovative programme is an international award scheme promoting long term, meaningful action to enhance sustainability in third level institutions.

The primary aim is to ensure campus communities cultivate environmental awareness and constructive action under the five themes of: Energy; Litter & Waste; Water; Biodiversity and Transport.

Award criteria are the successful implementation of the seven steps of the programme and a demonstration of commitment to the continuity of the programme on campus. Committees must renew application for retention of the Green Flag.

The GCP is administered in Ireland by An Táisce on behalf of The Foundation for Environment Education (Fee) operating in over 50 countries worldwide.

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

The seven steps of the programme

are:

1Establishing a Green-Campus committee with students & and

staff

2Undertaking an Environmental

review

3Implementing an action plan

4Monitoring and

evaluating actions carried

out

5Linking the

programme to curriculum

work

6Informing and involving the

campus and wider community

7Developing a green charter

The 7 Steps of the GCP

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

In the area of waste prevention and management GMIT have:

o 15 Recycling bin banks set up throughout campus to separate recyclable waste;

o Initiated development of separate food waste collection system

for composting; o Improved waste monitoring through increased engagement

with waste management company; o Conducted litter audit and introduced initiatives to decrease

littering on campus; o Implemented systems in campus canteen such as incentives for

ceramic cup use over disposables; o Reduced paper waste through various initiatives like use of

Moodle to distribute class notes, moving accommodation listing on-line and installed ‘fine-print’ on computers to reduce paper use for printing.

GMIT Castlebar

Green-Campus Actions:

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

GMIT have improved energy management through:o Energy monitoring, including a review of lighting, heating and heat loss; o Energy use and analysis, tips on reduction circulated monthly to all staff and students; o PC remote shut down in all computer labs; o ESB IE tendered to supply electricity through 100% alternative energy; o Holiday campus shutdowns inspected by the Green-Campus Committee; o Installation of automatic doors to prevent draughts; Installation of thermostatic

radiator valves on all radiators.

Water use at GMIT has improved through:o Improved monitoring and metering; Maintenance Log for water issues; o Timers placed on urinals have decreased water use by 70%; o Dual flush systems have been installed in new washroom facilities; o Springs adjusted on taps to decrease water flow time.

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

Benefits to the college:

Empower students and staff; Actively prevent/reduce environmental impacts; Reduce associated costs; Positive publicity; Passing on experience and best practice; Links to local groups & other programs: e.g. Clean Coasts; Green Home;

Benefits to Students/Learning: 

Improved Learning outcomes; Research skills (Action plan, investigation, setting targets, monitoring progress and

reporting progress); Students examined transport patterns and prepared a five year management plan for

Green-Campus via curriculum links; One class conducted an environmental review of the college while other classes

completed a Building Energy Rating of the entire campus. Transferable skills to workplace: communication, facilitation, teamwork, committee

servicing.

Benefits to the locality:

Strong links forged with community groups including Castlebar Tidy Towns and Smarter Travel Castlebar.

Annual participation in National Spring Clean and organisation of river clean ups by the Institute Kayaking Club.

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

60% paper consumption reduction annually

12 tonnes waste diverted from landfill in 6 mths

An estimated 72 tonnes per year of CO2 saved

2011 electricity usage lowest recorded in 11 yrs

Saving almost 1,000 litres of water per day

60kg Print Cartridges recycled for Concern

Mobile Phone Collection for Student Scholarship

Print Cartridge Collection for Jack & Jill

Environmental policy for purchase of office equip

Eco-friendly cleaning products used in campus

Monthly Green-Days

Monthly Green-Campus Committee Meetings

Green-Campus Notice board

Design of Green Campus logo

Some Notable Achievements

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

GMIT Castlebar

Green-Campus