Understanding the practical applications of sustainability is paramount for students in the Global Leadership for Sustainable Development (GLSD) programme. Led by UL's sustainability expert, J.J. Leahy, students embarked on a transformative journey through the University of Limerick's sustainable initiatives. These tours provided firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs of implementing sustainability projects on campus.
On Thursday, 08 February 2024, students embarked on a guided tour of UL's sustainability initiatives under the expert guidance of J.J. Leahy. The tour offered a comprehensive overview of the university's commitment to environmental stewardship, showcasing a myriad of projects aimed at promoting sustainability across campus.
From the student bike scheme to the rooftop garden, students witnessed firsthand the tangible impact of sustainable initiatives at UL. J.J. provided expert insights into the challenges of implementing and maintaining such projects, highlighting the importance of community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The tour also offered students the opportunity to explore the creeks and aquatic life, apple orchard, river bank walk, bat house, beehives, and pollinator field, providing a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between biodiversity and sustainability.
The sustainability tour with J.J. Leahy served as a catalyst for students to deepen their commitment to environmental stewardship. Armed with newfound knowledge and insights, students were inspired to advocate for sustainability both on campus and in their future endeavours.
The tour underscored the importance of experiential learning in fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions. Through initiatives like these, students are empowered to become agents of change in building a more sustainable future.
Global Leadership for Sustainable Development (GLSD) is a seven-week extracurricular programme designed by the UL Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation in collaboration with UL Global. This programme brings study abroad, Erasmus, and full degree students from across the world together, to actively learn about systemic approaches and challenges to sustainability across the economy, environment, and society. Students hear from expert guest speakers both on-campus and through site visits, engage in debates and discussions on contemporary sustainability issues, and work in interdisciplinary teams to co-create student-led sustainability projects to be implemented on campus. To find out more, please visit https://www.ul.ie/sustainability/global-leadership-for-sustainable-deve…, or contact the programme coordinator jack.oconnor@ul.ie.