# A Sustainable Student Experience
**Source**: https://www.ucd.ie/global/sustainability/
**Parent**: https://www.ucd.ie/global/currentstudents/
### Learn about UCD's Commitment and Approach to Sustainability
### Sustainability at UCD
UCD is committed to constantly improving sustainability on campus and throughout the university in general. UCD is also committed to working to further the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout its teaching and operations. The 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings places UCD in the top 50 universities in the world.
UCD Global is proud to actively work on sustainability initiatives and support international students in having a more eco-friendly student experience in a number of ways.
Watch the video to hear the UCD Global Ethical Consumption and Sustainability Committee's contribution to the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE) European Summit.
### On this page
- [A Sustainable International Student Experience](#h847665)
- [Sustainability at UCD Global](#h847671)
- [Achievements in Sustainability at UCD](#h857479)
- [Download your Green Guide](#h847669)
## A Sustainable International Student Experience
To make sure that your UCD student experience is as sustainable as possible, we offer the following student supports:
- **Orientation workshops:** From the very beginning of your UCD student journey, we will help you understand recycling on campus and in Ireland, how to practice everyday eco-friendly habits and where to find further resources about campus initiatives.
- **Green Guide:** This digital guide contains resources and information on sustainable travelling, transport, living, shopping, and recycling in Dublin. Download your copy of the UCD Green Guide today.
- **Green Erasmus+:** UCD Global promotes the Green Erasmus+ initiative by the EU Commission, which aims to support sustainable Erasmus projects and student mobility. Find out more about the Green Erasmus+ initiative below.
- [UCD Green Guide](https://www.ucd.ie/global/t4media/UCD Green Guide 2023.pdf "Go to 'UCD Green Guide' page")
- [Green Erasmus+](https://www.etf.europa.eu/en/news-and-events/news/erasmus-goes-green "Go to 'Green Erasmus+' page")
## Sustainability at UCD Global
UCD Global has led several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions among students and staff:
- Volunteering opportunities and Global Citizenship at [UCDVO](https://www.ucd.ie/global/currentstudents/learningabroad/ucdvo/ "Go to 'UCDVO' page").
- Student-led initiatives such as [Eco-UCD](https://www.facebook.com/EcoUCDSU/ "Go to 'Eco-UCD' page"), the [UCD Fair Fashion](https://www.instagram.com/ucdfairfashion/?hl=en "Go to 'UCD Fair Fashion' page"), and the [UCD Horticulture Society](https://ucdsocieties.ie/horticulture/ "Go to 'UCD Horticulture Society' page").
- The [UCD Sustainability Society](https://ucdsocieties.ie/sustainability/ "Go to 'UCD Sustainability Society' page"), founded in 2023 by BSc Sustainability students, brings together students passionate about sustainability, climate action and social justice through engaging events, discussions and community initiatives.
To learn more about how UCD is supporting sustainability efforts across its campus, education, research and the wider community, visit the UCD Sustainability website below.
- [UCD Sustainability](https://www.ucd.ie/sustainability/ "Go to 'UCD Sustainability' page")
## Achievements in Sustainability at UCD
[##### UCD Global Big Zero Programme
Thirty-two international students at UCD became the first to complete the UCD Global Big Zero programme, earning carbon literacy certificates accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project.](https://www.ucd.ie/sustainability/whatsnew/newsandevents/bigzero/ "Go to 'UCD Global Big Zero Programme' page")
[##### VIA Awards 2025
The UCD Global Leadership Team were recognised for their outstanding commitment to sustainability, receiving a VIA Award nomination in the Driving Sustainability category.](https://www.ucd.ie/engage/ucdawardspage/2025viaawards/ "Go to 'VIA Awards 2025' page")
[##### UCD Global joins the Climate Action Barometer
In a major step towards advancing sustainability across the university’s international activities, UCD Global will work closely with the Climate Action Barometer team to embed sustainable practices into every aspect of its global engagement strategy.](https://www.iesg.eco/ "Go to 'UCD Global joins the Climate Action Barometer' page")
[##### UCD is first Higher Education Institute in Ireland to sign CANIE Accord
UCD became the first higher education institution in Ireland to sign the CANIE Accord. This global initiative unites universities and international education professionals in taking meaningful climate action and embedding sustainable practices across the sector.](https://www.ucd.ie/sustainability/whatsnew/newsandevents/canieaward/ "Go to 'UCD is first Higher Education Institute in Ireland to sign CANIE Accord' page")
##### My name is Ana. I’m from the United States, and I’m studying the BSc Sustainability programme. I chose to study this course at UCD because the programme sounded really exciting, and the campus is a great place to live!
Ana Neary, North America, BSc Sustainability
##### My name is Ana. I’m from the United States, and I’m studying the BSc Sustainability programme. I chose to study this course at UCD because the programme sounded really exciting, and the campus is a great place to live!
Ana Neary, North America, BSc Sustainability
##### My name is Ana. I’m from the United States, and I’m studying the BSc Sustainability programme. I chose to study this course at UCD because the programme sounded really exciting, and the campus is a great place to live!
Ana Neary, North America, BSc Sustainability
## Download your Green Guide
Have a more sustainable student experience with our Green Guide.
[Download the Green Guide](https://www.ucd.ie/global/t4media/UCD%20Green%20Guide%202023.pdf)
## Contact UCD Global
UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4.
T: [+353 1 716 8500](tel:+353 1 716 8500) | [Location Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWX6DrTCTAsF1d2cA "Go to 'Location Map' page")