DkIT SDG Trail

DkIT SDG Trail

SUSTAINABILITY: MATTERS AT DkIT

DONATE WHAT YOU DON’T USE

NO POVERTY: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal? To end poverty in all its forms by 2030.

The Pantry

A vital resource for students experiencing financial strain, offering non-perishable food and basic hygiene items to help ease the financial burdens of third-level education. This initiative is sustained through the generous fundraising efforts and donations from both staff and students, ensuring that the shelves are always stocked with essential items. Conveniently located opposite the Students Union, The Pantry is easily accessible, providing a discreet and supportive environment for those in need.

In addition to The Pantry, the Pastoral Care service plays a crucial role in supporting students’ overall wellbeing. This service not only addresses emotional and mental health needs but also tends to students’ spiritual health, fostering a holistic approach to student care. By creating a sense of community, Pastoral Care offers students numerous opportunities to connect, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging within the campus environment. The service is dedicated to providing guidance and advice, helping students navigate their academic and personal lives. Moreover, Pastoral Care acts as a bridge to other relevant services, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs. Through these combined efforts, both The Pantry and Pastoral Care significantly contribute to the overall student experience, promoting a supportive and nurturing campus community.

WASTE LESS FOOD, SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS

ZERO HUNGER: MATTERS AT DkIT To end hunger, achieve food security and improved What’s the goal? nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

The Canteen The canteen plays a crucial role in supporting Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by providing affordable and nutritious meals to students, staff, and faculty.

By sourcing ingredients locally, the canteen can support local farmers, reduce transportation emissions, and ensure fresher produce. Efficient inventory management and meal planning help minimize food waste, which is a significant step towards sustainability. Additionally, implementing programs like subsidized meal plans for low-income students ensures that everyone has access to healthy food, reducing food insecurity on campus.

The canteen also educates the college community about nutrition and sustainable eating habits, empowering them to make informed food choices and promoting overall well-being. Workshops on reducing food waste and understanding the impact of food choices on the environment can foster a culture of sustainability. By integrating these practices, a college canteen not only addresses immediate hunger but also contributes to long-term food security and sustainability goals.

GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING:

MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal? To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

DkIT Sports and Societies Office The DkIT Sports and Societies Office plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall well-being of students, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic campus life. With over 50 sports clubs and societies available, students have a wide range of options to choose from, catering to diverse interests and fitness levels.

On campus, there are excellent facilities for sports, including the Faulkner Hall (MPC), a multi-purpose centre used for various indoor activities. This versatile hall is utilized for both class activities and numerous sports clubs and societies within DkIT. Off-campus, students have access to DKIT Sport, a state-of-the-art gym that includes a pool, fitness suites, and indoor sports pitches. The combination of oncampus and off-campus facilities ensures that students have ample opportunities to stay active and healthy, fostering a balanced lifestyle. Numerous events and activities are organised throughout the academic year, encouraging students to participate and stay engaged. These events not only promote physical health but also provide a platform for social interaction, helping students build friendships and a sense of community.

QUALITY EDUCATION: MATTERS AT DkIT Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and What’s the goal? promote lifelong learning.

Department of Nursing Midwifery & Early Years DkIT is committed to ensuring quality inclusive higher education, where student learning experiences are meaningful, manageable and accessible. To ensure that learners are nurtured, and learning is optimised, DkIT has committed to promoting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles throughout its programmes. Within the Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Early Years (NMEY), staff adopt many accessible and authentic learning and teaching strategies, that support quality student learning. In doing so, learning impacts can extend beyond the students themselves, into the healthcare / early years’ arenas, and wider society, sustaining the ripple effect of quality education / learning experiences. Some examples of inclusive and equitable quality education strategies, used within NMEY include: Clinical placement learning; Simulation-based learning, Enquiry / Problem Based Learning (E/PBL); Reflective practice; Stakeholder involvement/ Patient and Public Involvement in Education (PPI); Peer teaching and learning.

Learners from across DkIT can also avail of ongoing quality learning support, from the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). CELT provide multiple means of learning assistance, and promote and encourage scholarship, innovation, and creativity in learning and teaching, through collaboration and continuing professional development.

We must strive to develop a culture within the School which allows our female staff and students to flourish in an environment which embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are committed to removing barriers which lead to underrepresentation or exclusion and developing a culture of EDI in all our decisionmaking. We endeavour to create a culture of supportiveness and inclusiveness, providing an environment in which all our members can reach their full potential.

Dr Breda Brennan, Head of School of Engineering

GENDER EQUALITY: MATTERS AT DkIT To achieve gender equality and empower all women and What’s the goal? girls.

School of Engineering

The Athena SWAN charter is a framework that is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality in higher education and research. Athena SWAN awards are awarded to institutions who have made significant progress on gender equality and have pledged to furthering this progress in the future.

The School of Engineering’s recent Athena SWAN Bronze Award recognises a commitment to gender equality and increasing the number of female undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students, technical and academic staff. Another key priority they will endeavour to uphold is to ensure that female students have an equal opportunity to succeed on Engineering programmes. DkIT will also continue to work closely with primary and secondary schools in the region to encourage and facilitate females to select programmes and careers in Engineering, including apprenticeships.

With female engineers representing just 12% of the profession in Ireland, along with the latest data from the Higher Education Authority indicating that only 23% of engineering graduates are female, the School of Engineering in DkIT attaining this accreditation is a step in the right direction for the Institute to help address these national statistics and support female engagement within this industry.

AVOID WASTING WATER

CLEAN WATER & SANITATION: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal? To ensure access to safe water sources and sanitation for all.

Water Fountain @The Well DkIT has a policy to make free drinking water available to all students and members of staff. DkIT has extended the provision of free filtered drinking water via the installation of chilled drinking fountains and bottle fillers to all its buildings. The Estates Office are dedicated to expanding access to clean, fresh, filtered water. In addition, this also impacts on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) as it encourages everyone to use their own water containers and not rely on the provision of pre-packed containers or even worse one-way cups. It is DkIT’s plan to extend this service in the future.

Dundalk and the surrounding area in north Louth gets drinking water from the River Fane through the Cavan Hill pumping station. The River Fane flows from Monaghan to Dundalk Bay where it enters the sea close to Blackrock. SDG 6 very much matters to researchers in the Centre for Freshwater & Environmental Studies (CFES) at DkIT. Where cutting-edge research under the ‘Water, Communities and Catchments’ theme is focused around water governance, integrated catchment management, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and source protection of drinking water sources for rural water supplies in Ireland.

AFFORDABLE & CLEAN ENERGY:

MATTERS AT DkIT

To ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and What’s the goal? modern energy for all.

The Wind Turbine The iconic turbine is emblematic of the ‘living-learning campus’ ethos at DkIT. In addition to providing important green energy and cost-saving contributions to our Institute, the turbine plays a key role in research and teaching activities in the School of Engineering. The 850kW turbine has been in operation since October 2005 and powers approximately one third of the campus’ total electricity consumption. With a hub height of 60m and a rotor diameter of 52m, the turbine of this size and power was a “world first” for an educational campus at the time of it installation. Now a recognisable landmark in the region, the turbine has had a broad regional impact with regular site visits from a large number of primary and secondary schools, industry and interest groups. It has also been adopted by Dundalk Town Council as part of the logo for Dundalk.

Over the past 13 years, the DkIT turbine has consistently delivered between 1.3 and 1.6 million units (kWh) of electricity on an annual basis depending on winds in a given year. Approximately 80% of the annual electricity generated by the turbine is consumed directly by the Institute which avoids electricity purchases from the grid at retail electricity rates. The remaining 20% is exported to the grid. Exports arise when Institute demand is low such as on windy nights and weekends.

DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH:

MATTERS AT DkIT

To promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, What’s the goal? employment and decent work for all.

Business @DkIT DkIT Business departments play a crucial role in fostering economic growth, social responsibility, and sustainable development. By preparing students to be leaders in sustainable business practices and engaging in impactful research and community projects, they are helping to shape a better future for all. Their programmes are meticulously designed to cultivate the next generation of socially responsible business professionals who are equipped to implement sustainable practices in their future workplaces, thereby positively influencing the economy and society at large.

A strong emphasis on sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship, entrepreneurship, and innovation not only protects the environment but also uphold workers’ rights. This comprehensive educational approach ensures that students are well-prepared to face the challenges of the modern business world while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. Staff and students actively engage with local companies, charities, and international partners on service-learning projects that support both the local community and businesses, fostering a spirit of collaboration and social responsibility. Additionally, the research group ELMM (Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Management, and Marketing) is dedicated to promoting SDG 8 by focusing on a wide range of relevant topics.

‘A society that is open to learning and welcomes learning is best placed to optimise the returns on an economic model that becomes increasingly knowledge based and knowledge driven’

DkIT Strategic Plan 2024-2028

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE:

MATTERS AT DkIT

To promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, What’s the goal? employment and decent work for all.

Regional Development Centre (RDC) The RDC is home to over 20 businesses as tenants and over 50 start-ups supported through innovation and entrepreneur development programmes. To date, over 230 companies and over 2030 entrepreneurs have been supported on development programmes. The RDC facilitates access to a specialist team of business and commercialisation experts offering coaching, mentoring, business development and IP guidance to its client base. As an active stakeholder voice nationally and regionally the RDC plays a significant role in the economic development of the region.

The CREDIT Technology gateway, provides technological expertise in the field of Wind Energy, Zero Carbon & Energy Integration to generate solutions for the close to market needs of Irish industry and business sectors. Through the (regional) New Frontiers Programme managed by the RDC, many start-ups in the sustainability sector have been supported since the programme started in 2012. The RDC are also a founder and play a lead role in the recently formed ECO (East Coast Offshore) Wind Cluster which is industry led and was formed to support development of the value chain in offshore wind to capitalise on national opportunities to support the State to meet its carbon reduction targets.

‘We embrace equality, diversity and inclusivity as a core value. We are committed to accessible higher education for students in all their diversity through equal access opportunities and the delivery of education and support services to support and enable students to achieve their aspirations.’

DkIT Strategic Plan 2024-2028

REDUCED INEQUALITIES: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal?

To reduce inequalities based on income, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, class, ethnicity, religion and opportunity.

The Disability Office DkIT’s disability office plays a vital role in supporting SDG 10 by ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and resources. By providing accommodations such as assistive technologies, tailored learning plans, and accessible facilities, the office helps level the playing field for all students. It also offers support services like counselling, advocacy, and career guidance, which empower students with disabilities to fully participate in campus life and pursue their academic and professional goals.

Additionally, the disability office works to raise awareness and foster an inclusive campus culture, promoting understanding and respect for diversity. Through training sessions and workshops, the office educates faculty and staff on best practices for supporting students with disabilities, ensuring that the entire campus community is equipped to contribute to an inclusive environment. By collaborating with other campus departments and external organisations, the disability office can also advocate for broader policy changes that benefit students with disabilities.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the office not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to long-term societal change by reducing barriers and promoting equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal?

To make cities & communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

The Carroll Building The Carroll Building at DkIT represents a space in which contemporary engagement with creative cultural practices is housed within a listed building of architectural value. Designed in 1967 by Scott Tallon Walker Architects, the building is recognised as one of Europe’s finest examples of modern industrial building designed in the Miesian style. The award-winning redesign of the building in the early 21st century has been sensitive to the architect's original vision, protecting many aspects of the structure that contribute to its heritage value, while allowing for the development of television, radio and music recording studios, performance spaces and media labs.

Staff and students are encouraged to explore their creativity, drawing on the diversity of the community while also embracing local traditions, such as the rich music and song traditions of the Oriel region in which the building is located.

Audiences are invited to attend concerts, drama performances, film screenings and exhibitions that not only showcase the work of staff and students but also enrich the cultural life of the surrounding communities. Collaborations with external groups foster an ethos of inclusivity that contributes to a more sustainable society.

RECYCLE PAPER, PLASTIC, GLASS & ALUMINIUM CANS

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal? To ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Department of Hospitality Studies This department plays a crucial role in supporting SDG 12 by integrating sustainable practices into its curriculum and operations. By educating students on sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and energy-efficient practices, the department fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. Practical initiatives, such as using locally sourced ingredients in culinary programs, implementing comprehensive waste management systems, and promoting the use of eco-friendly products, help reduce the environmental footprint. Additionally, the department often collaborates with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that the food used in training kitchens and campus dining facilities is sustainably sourced, thereby supporting local economies and reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation.

Moreover, hospitality organises workshops and seminars on sustainability, inviting industry experts to share best practices and innovative solutions. Partnerships with local businesses and community organisations encourage sustainable practices beyond the campus, ensuring that future hospitality professionals are well-equipped to promote and implement responsible consumption and production in their careers.

‘Sea surface temperature in Irish waters has increased at a rate of approximately 0.6°C per decade since 1994, which is unprecedented in the 150-year unprecedented observational record.’

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2024

CLIMATE ACTION: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal?

Taking urgent action to tackle climate change and its impacts.

Centre for Renewables & Energy (CREDIT) CREDIT at DkIT was founded in 2002 with the primary aim of assisting with Ireland’s transition to a renewable energy-based economy. CREDIT’s programme of research focuses on two key thematic areas: land-based energy systems and offshore energy systems.

CREDIT aims to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of systems and technologies, contributing to Ireland's transition towards a clean energy future. A focus is also placed on the circular economy by promoting the development of energy systems that minimise waste, optimise resource use, and contribute to a sustainable society. CREDIT’s research programme also addresses critical environmental concerns, ensuring that these energy solutions are ecologically responsible and aligned with Irish & EU policy on sustainability and climate action.

CREDIT has a commercial component in the form of an Enterprise Ireland Funded Technology Gateway. The CREDIT Technology Gateway is an interdisciplinary industry-linked research centre, within CREDIT, which offers world class technical expertise for SMEs and larger organisations in the core disciplines of Offshore Wind & Distributed Energy, Zero Carbon and Energy Integration.

LIFE BELOW WATER: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal?

To conserve and sustainably use the world’s ocean, seas and marine resources.

Centre for Freshwater & Environmental Studies (CFES) The Centre for Freshwater & Environmental Studies (CFES) is an active and vibrant research centre within the School of Health & Science in DkIT. The CFES engages in inter- and multi-disciplinary research that investigates environmental issues and evaluates effective solutions. CFES researchers contribute significantly to progress on SDG 14 via its Water, Communities and Catchment and Environmental Education research themes. The centre is currently involved in a number of large-scale projects that are addressing complex cross-disciplinary issues that have a regional, national and international focus, with projects funded under PEACEPLUS and the Interreg NWE programmes. The centre also facilitates undergraduate research and undertakes educational and outreach activities while providing relevant scientific information for government agencies, policymakers, communities and other interested parties. Part of the centre's philosophy includes the belief that collaborative studies involving the participation of a number of interested parties add to the effectiveness of research and development. The CFES is currently undertaking research with Teagasc, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) TU Delft, Liege University, Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) and French Inland Waterways (VNF).

‘Agriculture is one of the Ireland’s most important and influential industries and is a key driver of the Irish economy. At DkIT sustainability is embedded in all of our agriculture programmes with our graduates leading the way forward for change’ Dr Siobhán Jordan, Agriculture DkIT

LIFE ON LAND: MATTERS AT DkIT To sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, What’s the goal? halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell (JJB) Building As a regional leader of agricultural education that is rooted in scientific understanding, SDG 15 is supported at DkIT in a number of ways, including student experiences in the Agricultural Science labs in the JBB Building. Within these labs agriculture students engage practically with methodologies that underpin the monitoring of our environment for aspects of land degradation, water quality damage, reductions in biodiversity and the potential of high value genetic resources.

Both new-entrant and experienced personnel from a wide range of backgrounds that engage in agricultural and environmental learning at DkIT from both full time and part-time courses to MSc level, gain valuable practical skills that can easily be utilised to directly contribute to SDG 15 with DkIT’s catchment region and beyond.

Furthermore, these facilities are utilised in the Agri-Environmental research theme in the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental studies (CFES) in DkIT, and allows for cutting edge land-based research focused on pollution control, improved resource efficiency and the impacts of climate change to be disseminated to key stakeholders with the DkIT catchment and nationally. Also, this research provides a window to the current scientific advances in land use directly into the teaching and education of students within the School of Health & Science.

STAND UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

PEACE, JUSTICE & STRONG INSTITUTIONS: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal?

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Students Union (SU)

DkIT SU is committed to fostering an environment where human rights, justice, and equality are actively championed. DkIT SU engages students in meaningful dialogue and action. They organise events, workshops, and campaigns to educate students about human rights and social justice, encouraging them to become advocates for change. The SU promotes diversity and inclusivity by celebrating cultural events and awareness weeks, ensuring every student feels represented and valued.

DkIT SU is proactive in conflict resolution, equipping students with skills to handle disagreements constructively, which enhances campus life and prepares them for personal and professional conflicts. They amplify the voices of all students, especially those from underrepresented groups, by creating safe spaces for dialogue and feedback. This approach fosters a culture of respect and understanding, where diverse viewpoints are welcomed in decision-making processes.

DkIT SU contributes to building a more inclusive and equitable community within DkIT and beyond. By inspiring students to take action and fostering an environment where diversity and dialogue thrive, DKIT SU not only enhances the student experience but also contributes to a more just society.

“There is hardly an adult on this island who will not recognise the name of General John de Chastelain which is synonymous with the peace process in Northern Ireland and the tireless work of countless people to achieve that hard-won peace. ” Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, 2017

PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS: MATTERS AT DkIT What’s the goal? To revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.

The De Chastelain Library The De Chastelain library is located in the T.K. Whitaker Building on the DkIT campus.

Designed by Scott Tallon Walker, it was opened in August 2001. The Library holds thousands of books and journals while curating a virtual collection of e-books and journal articles. You can also enjoy an art collection which includes work by Katie Holten, Michelle Rogers and David Farrell.

The library supports students by providing a green space in the heart of the DkIT campus. This space has been used by students not only as a quiet area for contemplation but also as a meeting place that fosters partnership, collaboration and a connection with nature. This green space is a more valuable resource for the DkIT community, providing a sanctuary for students to unwind, connect with nature, and learn about sustainability. By continuously improving and expanding this space, we aim to create a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally conscious campus that benefits everyone.

The DkIT SDG trail was prepared by Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Stephanie Woods and Suzanne Linnane | Contributions from Christian Maas, Alan Conlon, Derek Crilly, Anita Byrne, Moira Maguire, Breda Brennan, Maeve McArdle, Aidan Browne, Siobhán McCarthy, Daithí Kearney, Joseph Lynch, Siobhán Jordan, Carol Cousley & Gerry O’Brien | Photos by Ryan Duffy & Ciara Wilkinson | Web design by Michael Clinton (Kretok Media) | N-TUTORR is funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), supported by the EU Next Generation Funded and supported by the Technological Higher Educational Association (THEA).

@h2o_heroes #dkitsdgs #sdgtrail #thinkdkit

www.h2oheroes.ie