University College Cork has been awarded a LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Award in the category of Best Energy Efficiency Project, for its implementation of the international energy management standard ISO 50001.
UCC was the first third-level institution to be awarded this standard worldwide. ISO 50001 enables organisations to establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy performance, including energy efficiency, use and consumption. The LAMA awards aim to commend individuals, initiatives and private companies for their outstanding contributions and projects that benefit local communities. This 7th year of the LAMA awards saw over 200 entries across 22 categories.
Held in association with Irish Public Bodies, UCC won out against four other projects in its category finals. UCC were nominated by Cork County Council for the awards, recognising UCC’s approach to responsible energy management as part of their overall environmental strategy. UCC were also shortlisted for their CampusBike and Cycle-to-Work programmes under the category of Best Eco-Friendly Initiative, with a nomination by Cork City Council.
Beyond the LAMA Awards, UCC was also further recognised by the Universitas Indonesia (UI) Greenmetric World University Ranking system for its exceptional work in the area of environment-friendly university management. Emerging among the top three universities from a packed field of 215 global competitors, the award reaffirms the ongoing commitment of UCC towards reducing its environmental impact and remaining a sustainable campus.
One further milestone on UCC’s green agenda this year will be the renewal of the Green Flag status, first awarded in 2010 for UCC’s environment friendly management of energy, water, waste and travel. Along with the student body and faculty staff, UCC Buildings and Estates are working on the UCC Green Campus initiative on an ongoing basis.
UCC is committed to a green, sustainable policy in all its operations, of which energy efficiency is an important part.