A new Climate Action Roadmap, published today by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commits the university to a number of sustainability targets on the journey to net carbon zero, which it is working to achieve by 2050.

The new roadmap details how sustainability will influence decision-making across academic, research, engagement and campus operations. It reflects the ambitions of RCSI’s 2023-2027 strategic plan, Innovating for a Healthier Future, and its duty to use its expertise to improve both human health and the health of our planet, and to enhance the understanding of the link between the two. 

Key priorities in the roadmap include: 

• upgrading the university's building stock and technology to optimise energy efficiency
• the rollout of renewable energy projects across the university's estate
• further improvements in waste management and reductions in single-use items, and
• increasing education and awareness among staff and students. 

Specifically, RCSI has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% in 2030 and to improve energy efficiency by 50% by 2030. These are agreed as critical milestones if the university is to achieve its goal of net carbon zero by 2050 and are aligned with the requirements of the public-sector mandate outlined in the Irish government’s Climate Action Plan.  

Reflecting the complexity and age of the RCSI campus, the energy efficiency targets in the roadmap will be achieved though conservation measures including fabric upgrades and the reduction of energy use, efficiency measures including system upgrades and the implementation of heat pump technology, and energy generation through solar panels.  

This work will build on the significant transformation of the energy management of RCSI’s 26 York Street building. Following an energy performance contract, which was the first of its kind in the higher education sector in Ireland, the building is using 73% less gas and 27% less electricity.  

With ambitious campus development plans in the run up to 2030, including significant new building projects at 118 St Stephen’s Green, Connolly Hospital and Sandyford, sustainable building design will play a critical role in mitigating against the additional carbon load that will result from an expanded campus footprint.  

Knowledge, skills and values

The roadmap outlines how, as a health sciences university, RCSI is equipping its students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to address complex global challenges while promoting sustainability in healthcare practices, health equity and social responsibility in their future careers. 

To promote greater staff and student awareness of the role they can play in the success of the Climate Action Roadmap, a new Sustainability Moodle page will empower the RCSI community to actively engage in and contribute to the journey toward greater sustainability. A new Switch Off campaign will target lighting and equipment that is left on after hours. The SDG & Me campaign will continue to promote sustainable practices among staff and students, and training on climate change for RCSI’s senior management team will commence this year.  

Launching the roadmap, Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI Vice-Chancellor said: “RCSI is committed to contributing to creating a sustainable future for generations to come. This Climate Action Roadmap outlines how we plan to deliver on our sustainability targets over the coming years. With a strong focus on health and societal impact we will, working with others, make a positive and lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Ireland and around the world.” 

RCSI is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and in 2023 the university was ranked first in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for UN SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being.

Reflecting its work to incorporate planetary health into the medical curriculum, RCSI has this year scored the highest of all Irish universities in the Planetary Health Score Card for the second year in a row, and in 2022 was awarded Beacon Status by the Centre for Sustainable Health.

Learn more about RCSI's commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and becoming carbon neutral by 2050 here.