DCU rises to 15th in global green university rankings

University divests from direct holdings in fossil fuels

Dublin City University has been ranked 15th in the world in the latest green university league tables.  

The Universitas Indonesia (UI) GreenMetric World University Rankings measures the commitment of 619 universities in 76 countries to developing an environmentally friendly infrastructure. The rankings look at 6 indicators - setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste management, water management, transportation and education.  This new ranking for DCU represents an increase of 12 places on its ranking in 2016.

The University has committed itself in its new Strategic Plan, Talent, Discovery & Transformation to place sustainability at its core, aiming to become a carbon-neutral campus, and embedding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into the student curriculum.

In recent months, the university and its Educational Trust have divested from any direct holdings in fossil fuels and have reduced indirect holdings to below 1%.  This action has been taken following a review of DCU ethics policy and representations by the student body.  In addition, An Taisce has recently confirmed the renewal of Green Flag status for DCU Glasnevin Campus and extended this to DCU St Patrick’s Campus for the first time.

Welcoming the new ranking, DCU Sustainability Officer, Samantha Fahy commented,

“We are delighted to have UI recognise DCU’s commitment to playing its part as a responsible organisation which prioritises this global challenge.  It is another step towards our ambition to become an exemplar to both our students and the world around us.”

The University of Wageningen in The Netherlands was crowned the world’s best green campus.