Sustainability

Sustainability at TBSI

At TBSI, sustainability is a core institutional priority, championed by both staff and students. It is embedded across all aspects of the Institute—from research and academic programmes to day-to-day operational practices such as waste reduction, recycling, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

We are working in close partnership with the College’s Sustainability Office to support the national targets set out in the Irish Climate Action Plan, which requires public bodies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 51% by 2030. Our immediate focus is to meet this target, while also advancing toward our longer-term goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040.

Actions Taken

• Comprehensive energy use audit conducted (2024)
• Implementation of improved HVAC management protocols
• 29% energy savings achieved by up-chilling ultra-freezers by 10 °C
• 3% energy savings through enhanced fume hood management
• 8 Green Labs certified, with 11 more certifications imminent
• 2 Sustainability Leadership Awards received
• Installation of a nitrogen generator system, resulting in a 33% reduction in BOC deliveries

In Progress

• Development of a sustainability induction programme for new staff
• LED lighting upgrades with PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors
• Establishment of a centralised TBSI stores system
• Cold storage sharing pilot project underway
• Introduction of polystyrene recycling initiatives
• Rooted in the values of academic freedom, respect for individual talents, innovative research, and global citizenship, TBSI is dedicated to leading meaningful and measurable change toward a more sustainable future.