Leadership & Governance

Divestment Policy 

University of Galway demonstrates leadership in the achievement of the SDGs by promoting sustainability scholarship, social justice, human rights and global citizenship as graduate and staff attributes, by embedding sustainability in operations and investments, and by building sustainable partnerships with communities.

For example, in 2016 University of Galway became one of the first Irish universities to fully divest from fossil fuels.  The decision came following a campaign by students and staff. The University announced it would withdraw its €3.4 million investment in fossil-fuel related companies following growing concerns about climate change and its impacts.  By divesting the University of Galway took a leadership role in the Irish education sector signaling the need for more climate conscious financial strategies. Read more here.

University of Galway Investment Strategy

Clause 2.7 of the University of Galway Investment Strategy Policy (QA327) states our university's ethical investment considerations - 'The University will only appoint managers who are signatories to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment'. We have successfully divested the University’s shareholding from fossil fuels and we are actively working towards an ethical investment policy.

University of Galway Sustainability Strategy

The University of Galway Sustainability Strategy (see here) includes a strong commitment to ethical investment ensuring that our  financial resources are aligned to our sustainability goals - 'Demonstrate commitment to integrity and ethical leadership. Ensure a diverse, inclusive and safe workplace for all. Continue to implement an ethical investment policy. Continue to embed explicit, green ambitions withinn our Statement of Corporate Social Responsibility that forms part of the University of Galway Annual Financial Statement'

Annual Financial Statement

The University of Galway Annual Financial Statement includes a Statement of Corporate Social Responsibility. For example:

• Annual Financial Statement - year end September 2023 - see here
• Annual Financial Statement - year end September 2022 - see here

University of Galway  Sustainability Office

In January 2024, University of Galway created a new senior leadership role in sustainability; the inagural Director of Sustainability, reporting to the Deputy President and Registrar and taking a lead role in implementing  our sustainability vision. The role of the Community and University Sustainability Officer was established in 2019 and by committing to these senior leadreship roles in sustainability we demonstrate our commitment  to embedding sustainability across the campus and beyond. 

Green Campus

University of galway is an An Tasice Green Campus Ireland awarded site; recently awarded its second Green-Campus Flag by the international Foundation for Environmental Education. This flag demonstrates to the world that University of Galway is committed to continuous environmental improvement and cross-campus community collaboration.  Read our  Green Campus Charter 2022