Celebrating Sustainability Achievements at Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin recently concluded its 23rd annual Green Week, culminating in the inspiring Sustainability Leadership Awards ceremony. The awards, now in their third year, recognize remarkable contributions by students and staff across various disciplines, highlighting the university’s dedication to tackling the climate and biodiversity crises through education, research, operations, and community engagement. This year’s event, held in Portal on March 12th, showcased a record number of nominations, underscoring the growing commitment to sustainability within the Trinity community.
Honoring Champions of Climate Action and Sustainable Practices
Presided over by Provost Linda Doyle and Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action Jane Stout, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of individuals driving impactful change. Professor Stout emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, highlighting Trinity’s responsibility and opportunity to contribute to solutions. She referenced the recent Responsible Futures accreditation, an international recognition of the university’s progress in embedding sustainability principles. Provost Doyle commended the nominees for their dedication to integrating sustainability into their respective fields, acknowledging the ongoing journey towards a fully sustainable university.
Award Winners: Leading by Example in Sustainability
The 2025 Sustainability Leadership Awards recognized a diverse group of winners, each demonstrating exceptional leadership in their area:
- Adriele Prina Mello, Assistant Professor: Championing Green Lab initiatives at the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), leading the Cold Storage Project to reduce energy consumption.
- Simon Carroll, Chief Technical Officer: Spearheading Green Lab Certification for multiple labs within the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering and implementing innovative recycling systems.
- Cillian Gately, Research Assistant: Driving sustainable practices at the NatPro Centre, advocating for Green Lab initiatives both within Trinity and nationally.
- Keith Alden, Research Operations Manager: Leading energy efficiency improvements at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), including a significant -80°C Freezer Study and nitrogen generator procurement.
- Jess Leonard, Science Librarian: Researching creative approaches to climate change education and community engagement, while also developing informative talks and workshops on sustainable practices.
- Dymphna Kenny, Project Manager: Establishing a sustainability working group within Trinity Development & Alumni, driving initiatives like waste reduction, resource conservation, and sustainable procurement.
- Student Interns: Contributing significantly to the development of a new sustainable development module for all students, incorporating real-world case studies, and advocating for policy changes.
A Spotlight on Innovative Sustainability Initiatives
Beyond individual achievements, the awards highlighted impactful projects across various departments:
- Floating Wind Team: Developing innovative offshore wind platform designs for Ireland’s electricity grid decarbonization, securing funding, and raising awareness amongst undergraduate engineers.
- E3 Marketing Manager Michael Lynham: Organizing a successful webinar series, “Balanced Solutions For A Better World,” and volunteering to deliver sustainability training courses through Skillnet Ireland.
- Lauren Jones Brennan, Law Student: Representing Ireland as a United Nations Youth Delegate, advocating for global sustainability policy, and delivering workshops on climate action.
- TextiCycle Campaign: Led by undergraduate student Amulya Sanagavaram, this campaign addresses textile waste reduction and advocates for transparent recycling practices and government policies.
- C-FAARER Team: Fostering a community-led movement for sustainable aquaculture and seaweed farming, culminating in the launch of the Irish Seaweed Association.
- NBS EduWORLD Project: Developing and sharing free teaching resources on nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
Continuing the Momentum for a Sustainable Future
The Trinity College Dublin Sustainability Leadership Awards demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the institution and beyond. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of its staff and students, Trinity is inspiring action, driving innovation, and contributing to a more sustainable future for all. The university’s ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability into its research, education, and operational practices positions it as a leader in addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing our world.
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