In 2019, the UCD campus saw an increase in the rate at which trees were being felled, figures obtained by the College Tribune under the Freedom of Information Act have shown. In 2018, the number of trees felled in UCD versus those planted was 7.2%. In 2019, this number rose to 19.5%. Despite a marginal increase in total trees planted, a larger proportion of trees were felled in 2019 than in the previous year, culminating in a slower growth of new trees on campus. This is despite UCD’s intention to ‘’continue to expand campus woodland over the coming years’’.
UCD is yet to be recognised as being a Green Campus within Ireland. Other third-level institutions, such as DCU, UL, UCC, Trinity, Maynooth University and NUIG have all been awarded the title for their efforts. As of February 2020, “UCD are at the stage of putting together a draft application for the Green Flag,” confirmed Green-Campus Manager Dara Dever, and are “one of 36 campuses currently registered on the programme.”
UCD recognises the importance of a healthy world in its Strategy 2020-2024, which is “committed to a sustainable future built on a healthy biosphere.” Theme 3 of the revised Strategy is devoted entirely to “Building a Healthy World.”
Alex Lohier – Deputy Editor
