Commitment

At University of Limerick (UL), we pride ourselves on being a centre of intellectual rigor, where future leaders, innovators and responsible citizens are shaped. The focus of our institution is aligned in the understanding that universities have long been at the heart of knowledge creation and dissemination. They are places where ideas are cultivated, tested and refined. Through our education, research and community engagement, we have always sought to make a positive impact both locally and globally.

As a global community, we find ourselves challenged through our decision-making as the choices we make will significantly influence the future of our society and the wellbeing of our planet. As a university, we recognise the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the realm of sustainability, and we are committed to addressing them with thoughtful action and responsible stewardship.

During 2023, here at UL we kept moving forward by marking notable achievements within our mission-based approach to sustainability. Our commitment to fostering socially responsible citizens remains and we are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute meaningfully to society. Our missions continue to align with the the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as we recognise the critical role we play in advancing sustainability.

The UL Sustainability Framework 2030 continues to help and guide our actions on the journey towards becoming a more sustainable institution, and this report documents the work we have done during 2023. Both the framework itself and the mission-based work align with ongoing efforts within the EU and beyond, providing a solid foundation for our future decisions and actions in higher education, research and institutional governance.

As a community, we will continue to weave sustainability into all aspects of university life. It will shape our research agendas, influence our students' experiences, and be a cornerstone of our partnerships and collaborations. Moreover, it will help us build on the progress we have already made while encouraging further innovation and experimentation on our campus.

Sustainability is a challenge that no single person, team or discipline can tackle alone. It demands collective effort, shared vision, and a commitment to work together across boundaries. This collaborative work will benefit us all in the short term and future generations in the long term.

As we move forward, we do so with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to careful, considered action, to inspiring others, and to making sustainability an integral part of our university, our community and our daily lives.