The green college - A glimpse of the future

UNIVERSITY College Cork yesterday gave us all a glimpse of the future and what can be done.

The college became the first third-level institution in the world to get an international Green Flag award.

The award recognises a green campus programme run over the last three years. It saved €300,000 in waste- management costs, reduced waste to landfill by nearly 400 tonnes and improved recycling from 21% to 60%. Furthermore, UCC has conserved almost enough water to fill the equivalent of the Lough of Cork.

These are basic challenges that will face every business and household before very long and UCC has shown that not only are these measures environmentally desirable, they also save money. What’s not to like?