This week, SETU hosted Green Week 2025, a celebration of sustainability and environmental action across its campuses in Carlow and Waterford.
The week saw a multitude of eco-friendly activities and hands-on workshops held to celebrate sustainability and environmental action and to encourage students to take action to contribute to a greener SETU campus.
Green Campus Committee
The SETU Green Campus Committee is made up of both students and staff who volunteer to advocate for sustainable citizenship in all aspects of university life.
When speaking about Green Week, Bernadette Power, Vice-Chair of the Green Campus Committee, said, “It was great to run events on campus to highlight the importance of sustainability and hopefully it will encourage staff and students to take actions, small and big for the benefit of the environment.”
Swap Shop
Students and staff had the opportunity to take part in a Thrift Swap Shop, where each participant brought in an item of clothing to swap with another. The shop allowed participants to give their unloved clothing items a new home, while picking up new pieces for their wardrobe.
Green Week is a vital initiative for universities, fostering sustainability, awareness, and community engagement. It empowers students and staff to take action on environmental issues, from reducing waste to promoting renewable energy. SETU Green Campus is delighted to have organised events that provided a platform for collaboration, innovation, and education, encouraging individuals to make informed, responsible choices. More than just a week of activities, Green Campus is a movement that cultivates environmental stewardship and shapes the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Kathy Purcell Green Campus Committee Chairperson
Sustainable stands
The Energy Conservation stand provided staff and students with one-to-one consultations on energy use in the home and at work; everything from lighting displays, temperature cards, and grant information.
The Green Week 2025 information stand provided information on SETU Green Campus and the importance of sustainability. Passersby could learn more about Green Campus initiatives and take part in a virtual quiz to win eco-friendly prizes.
Climate Café
Green campus members and sustainability supporters gathered for a Climate Café, where everyone could share ideas and engage in like-minded conversations. Participants brought their own reusable cups, shared ideas on upcoming Green Campus activities, and networked with one another.
Reconnecting with nature
A relaxing yoga and breathwork session promoted well-being and mindfulness to students during the busy exam season. The aim of the session was to allow students and staff to reconnect with nature and the green outdoors, as they moved through a vinyasa flow yoga session led by Yogi, Aisling Gahan.
Giving back to nature
SETU Forestry, in collaboration with industry sponsors West Pharma and Waterford Lions Club, planted 250 trees with the aim of creating a small mixed native woodland, composed of oak, birch, alder, hazel, and holly.
If you want to join the SETU Green Campus, please see here.
