Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation

The rapid pace of societal growth has caused us to exceed many of Earth’s planetary boundaries. We are now living in a deficit- consuming resources at a rate at which they cannot be replenished, with far reaching consequences for the well-being of people and the planet.

The defining challenge of the 21^st century will be to balance social progress with these environmental boundaries: to learn how all life on Earth can flourish as one.

As a higher education institution, it is UL’s responsibility to take bold action-to have the courage to explore the unknown and collectively pioneer a better path forward for our students, staff, and communities.

The success of our transition to a sustainable campus and a sustainable world will depend on the degree to which we address the critical gaps in our knowledge and nurture the vital shifts in our culture. We need everyone

UL’s Centre for Sustainable Futures & Innovation (CSFI) is driving forward the university’s response to this challenge, working collaboratively with colleagues and students across the UL system, as well as with higher education institutions in Ireland and Internationally, government, industry, and community partners.

The Centre has two core functions

Innovation and Implementation – Time Horizon 0-10 Years

At UL, our approach to sustainability is strategic and mission-driven, anchored in the ambitious UL Sustainability Framework 2030.

Recognising the interconnected nature of our world, and with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as our foundation, we have pioneered a portfolio of 21 missions to guide UL’s goal of becoming a sustainable university by 2030.  

These missions embody our commitment to sustainability and set the course for a better future.

The Mission Lab is UL’s dedicated innovation engine- working with colleagues (researchers, faculty, professional support staff), students, university suppliers, industry and community partners to pilot, demo and scale projects that support the 21 sustainability missions.  Learn more about The Mission Lab 

Futuring and Foresight – Time Horizon 10-50 Years

At UL, we recognise that sustainability is the first step on a longer, transformative journey. It is a prelude to the more profound narrative of regeneration- a concept that transcends traditional environmental discourse and reaches into the roots of cultural, economic, and ecological interconnectedness.

Strategic futures and foresight: Groundbreaking futures programme, creating compelling visions of the future of our university, communities, and the world. The concept of regeneration represents this next ambitious leap for UL- focused on renewing, revitalising, and expanding our capacity to thrive.