Water Use
SETU aims to decrease water usage by 10% to 2030. Drinking water is provided via centrally located refillable water fountains, conveniently located throughout the campuses. This has reduced reliance on plastic bottled water and single use plastic cups. 28 water fountains were installed across SETU campuses resulting in a reduction of 712,551 plastic bottles, removing over 59,000kg CO2e.
Reduce Paper Use
A number of initiatives are underway including pilot programmes to minimise paper waste in staff offices and the student’s union move to a digital student handbook for the 2024/25 academic year. SETU’s ‘Digital Campus Strategy’ will include plans for the digitalisation of paper-based processes.
Reducing Waste
As part of overall waste reduction SETU will continue to track waste regularly and increase recycling to achieve an 80% recycling rate by 2030. SETU have piloted the removal of individual bins from offices and lecture rooms and will be extended to all buildings over the coming years. Waste segregation bins are installed across all campuses to increase recycling rates.
Reducing chemicals
SETU are also reducing our reliance on chemicals for cleaning purposes through training and utilisation of new cleaning methods. SETU are currently trialling a solution, which contains no toxic or polluting chemicals and reverts to water and oxygen after use, leaving no environmental damage on any scale.
Reusable Cup Scheme
To reduce our reliance on once-off disposable beverage cups, SETU have offered a variable cost reduction on hot beverages to staff, students and visitors who bring and use a reusable cup. This will reduce carbon in the manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of these cups.
RE-turn machines
RE-turn machines are available on the Cork road and West campuses to encourage the recycling of plastic, aluminium and steel cans and a scheme is in development for the South Sports and Kilkenny road campuses to collect these items centrally as a fundraising initiative.
WEEE Scheme
Electronic Waste is currently recycled through the WEEE scheme, where SETU work with suppliers to return electronic waste for recycling. Battery collections points are also available across campuses
Catering Initiatives
SETU Carlow campus catering contractor, KSG takes responsibility for their impact on society and as a result, integrate social and environmental concerns into our mainstream business operations. They incorporate a balanced approach into how they do business across a range of pillars, these include:
Community
KSG’s teams build trust and develop strategic partnerships in local communities to secure long-term sustainability. This includes fundraising and volunteering initiatives with our chosen charity St. Francis Hospice.
They also support some of their own and their client’s local charities such as St. Michael’s House, COPE and Down Syndrome Ireland through employment schemes and volunteering activities.
Environmental
Being sustainable, considerate to the environment and delivering lasting business practices is a must do for the planet and for all of us. KSG’s approach is unique and diverse, supported and delivered by our Sustainability champions.
KSG’s sustainable commitment over the next 5 years includes:
- 10% Increase of purchases from KGS's farm produce
- Reduction in general waste by 6%
- Reduced energy usage by 39% over 5 years
- Increase charitable contribution by 5%
