1. GMIT Castlebar
Green-Campus
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

2. GMIT Castlebar Green-Campus
The autumn of 2008 saw GMIT Castlebar embark on an
inspirational journey toward greener pastures. Together students
and staff established an active green-community to expand
environmental awareness and support practical action. Several
progressive green policies were introduced guided by The Green -
Campus Programme.
GMIT Castlebar developed strategies and implemented significant
changes in waste, energy and water management. Following
three years dedication to the programme in spring 2011 their
accomplishments were recognised becoming the first Institute of
Technology in Ireland awarded a Green Flag .
“The GMIT Castlebar Green-Campus Committee is unique in many respects and will, I am
sure, be an example and inspiration to many more third-level institutions not only in
Ireland but throughout the entire network of countries.”
Mrs Patricia Oliver. Director of An Táisce Environmental Education Unit.
Today the green-community continue to nurture campus
sustainability currently focusing on initiatives under the themes
of biodiversity and transport.
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

3. The Green-Campus Programme.
The innovative programme is an international award
scheme promoting long term, meaningful action to
enhance sustainability in third level institutions.
The primary aim is to ensure campus communities
cultivate environmental awareness and constructive
action under the five themes of: Energy; Litter &
Waste; Water; Biodiversity and Transport.
Award criteria are the successful implementation of
the seven steps of the programme and a
demonstration of commitment to the continuity of
the programme on campus. Committees must renew
application for retention of the Green Flag.
The GCP is administered in Ireland by An Táisce on
behalf of The Foundation for Environment Education
(Fee) operating in over 50 countries worldwide.
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

4. 4
Monitoring and
evaluating 5
actions carried Linking the
3 out
programme to
Implementing
curriculum
an action plan
work
2 6
Undertaking an Informing and
Environmental involving the
review campus and wider
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1 The seven
Establishing a 7
steps of the
Green-Campus Developing a
committee with
programme
green charter
students & and are:
staff
The 7 Steps of the GCP
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

5. GMIT In the area of waste prevention and
Castlebar management GMIT have:
o 15 Recycling bin banks set up throughout campus to separate
Green- recyclable waste;
Campus
Actions: o Initiated development of separate food waste collection
system for composting;
o Improved waste monitoring through increased engagement
with waste management company;
o Conducted litter audit and introduced initiatives to decrease
littering on campus;
o Implemented systems in campus canteen such as incentives for
ceramic cup use over disposables;
o Reduced paper waste through various initiatives like use of
Moodle to distribute class notes, moving accommodation
listing on-line and installed ‘fine-print’ on computers to reduce
paper use for printing.
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

6. GMIT have improved energy management through:
o Energy monitoring, including a review of lighting, heating and heat loss;
o Energy use and analysis, tips on reduction circulated monthly to all staff and students;
o PC remote shut down in all computer labs;
o ESB IE tendered to supply electricity through 100% alternative energy;
o Holiday campus shutdowns inspected by the Green-Campus Committee;
o Installation of automatic doors to prevent draughts; Installation of thermostatic
radiator valves on all radiators.
Water use at GMIT has improved through:
o Improved monitoring and metering; Maintenance Log for water issues;
o Timers placed on urinals have decreased water use by 70%;
o Dual flush systems have been installed in new washroom facilities;
o Springs adjusted on taps to decrease water flow time.
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

7. Benefits to the college:
 Empower students and staff;
 Actively prevent/reduce environmental impacts;
 Reduce associated costs;
 Positive publicity;
 Passing on experience and best practice;
 Links to local groups & other programs: e.g. Clean Coasts; Green Home;
Benefits to Students/Learning:
 Improved Learning outcomes;
 Research skills (Action plan, investigation, setting targets, monitoring progress and
reporting progress);
 Students examined transport patterns and prepared a five year management plan for
Green-Campus via curriculum links;
 One class conducted an environmental review of the college while other classes
completed a Building Energy Rating of the entire campus.
 Transferable skills to workplace: communication, facilitation, teamwork, committee
servicing.
Benefits to the locality:
 Strong links forged with community groups including Castlebar Tidy Towns and Smarter
Travel Castlebar.
 Annual participation in National Spring Clean and organisation of river clean ups by the
Institute Kayaking Club.
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

8. Some Notable Achievements
60% paper consumption reduction annually
12 tonnes waste diverted from landfill in 6 mths
An estimated 72 tonnes per year of CO2 saved
2011 electricity usage lowest recorded in 11 yrs
Saving almost 1,000 litres of water per day
60kg Print Cartridges recycled for Concern
Mobile Phone Collection for Student Scholarship
Print Cartridge Collection for Jack & Jill
Environmental policy for purchase of office equip
Eco-friendly cleaning products used in campus
Monthly Green-Days
Monthly Green-Campus Committee Meetings
Green-Campus Notice board
Design of Green Campus logo
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.

9. GMIT Castlebar
Green-Campus
Fiona Lynch. G00164477. Feb2012.