CUSP

The Community and University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP) was established in 2015 under the direction of the Deputy President and Registrar to showcase how a university can become a role model for the transition to a sustainable future.

CUSP is a multi-disciplinary, voluntary team of students and staff from across the campus and community partners all working together with the common aim of establishing the university as a leading institutional model for sustainability. 

CUSP comprises a General Board, Executive Board, Working Groups and an Advisory Board. This governance structure is built around the implementation of the University of Galway Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025 and is outlined in the Sustainability Governance Handbook 2024. CUSP is supported by the staff of the Sustainability Office.

The CUSP General Board plays a leading role in the development and implementation of the Sustainability Strategy, aligning all our major efforts with the SDGs, including education, research, leadership, operational and engagement activities. CUSP has four working groups: Research & Learning, Nature & Ecosystems, Sustainable Living & Wellbeing, and Governance & Leadership.

The University Sustainability Advisory Board provides strategic oversight of the University’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrates leadership and recommends for approval and drives forward sustainability-related policies, procedures and action plans. The University Sustainability Advisory Board is chaired by the Deputy President & Registrar.

CUSP, through the Director of Sustainability, reports every six months to the University Management Team and reports annually to the Údarás na hOllscoile (Governing Authority) Standing & Strategic Planning Committee.

CUSP team at the launch of NUI Galway Sustainability Strategy 2017-2020