On March 07, 2024, Student Sustainability Coordinator Jack O'Connor welcomed students from Desmond College to the University of Limerick for a workshop focused on sustainability. Collaborating with UL's Access Office, Jack aimed to empower the students to shape a more sustainable future for their school.
Drawing from his own experiences as a former student of Desmond College, Jack shared insights on the importance of youth engagement in sustainability efforts. He highlighted how the perspectives and ideas of young people are vital in driving meaningful change within their communities.
During the workshop, students participated in a sustainability project design session, where they brainstormed ideas to make their school more sustainable. By involving students in this co-creation process, the workshop aimed to foster a sense of ownership and empowerment among the participants.
This collaborative approach ensures that sustainability initiatives are grounded in the specific needs and realities of the school community. By engaging young minds in the process of developing solutions, the workshop encouraged creativity and innovation in addressing sustainability challenges.
The Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation (CSFI) is responsible for providing sustainability training to the University community through the Mission Lab. The Mission Lab is integral to advancing UL’s novel approach of ‘mission-driven learning,’ where traditional sustainability training is elevated through project-based learning experiences. This model bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering students and staff the opportunity to engage with the latest developments and practices in the field.
Mission Lab acts as a platform for experiential learning and up-skilling for all those who engage with its portfolio of sustainability missions. Importantly, the breadth of UL’s Sustainability Framework creates an opportunity for the university community to go beyond siloed disciplines and reap the benefits of cross-domain learning. Knowledge transfer and cross-institutional learning play an essential role in sustainability training.