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Sustainability Champion digital badge

What is the Student Sustainability Champion Digital Badge?

A Sustainability Champion is a student who actively drives sustainability efforts through leadership, advocacy, and hands-on initiatives. They raise awareness by educating peers about critical environmental issues such as climate change, waste reduction, and responsible consumption. Leading by example, they adopt and promote sustainable practices like recycling, energy conservation, and eco-friendly habits.

Collaboration is central to their role, as they work with student organisations, faculty, and administration to implement sustainability-focused policies and programs. Additionally, they engage the wider community through workshops, campaigns, and volunteer initiatives while developing innovative solutions to address campus sustainability challenges.

How do Students Earn the Digital Badge?

1. Attend an Introduction to Sustainability session.

2. Participate in one of the following *Pathways 

  • the Community & University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP),
  • OR Get active in the SU Climate Crew,
  • OR Achieve a Student Sustainability Leadership Awards,
  • OR Be a Student Residences Sustainability Champion,

      (*See Pathways to an Award in the section below)

3. Write a very short reflection paragraph (max 300 words).

🎉2025 Sustainability Champion Digital Badge Recipients 

 We are delighted to recognise the following students:

  • Molly Hickey
  • Adam Mullins
  • Faye Ní Dhomhnaill
  • Peter O’Neill
  • Izzy Ó Tighearnán
  • Hom Nath Poudel
  • Giulia Sanchini
  • Muriel Sinke
  • Sofia Sjoqvist

* Pathways to an Award

Community & University Sustainability Partnership (CUSP)

CUSP consists of working groups of students, staff and community partners to drive a more sustainable campus. There are four working groups: Research & Learning, Nature & Ecosystems, Sustainable Living & Wellbeing, and Governance & Leadership. To earn the badge, students must contact the Sustainability Office to join a CUSP working and participate in at least six hours of CUSP meetings or activities. See here for further information.

SU Climate Crew

The SU Climate Crew is the environmental forum of the Students' Union that organises events and other activities. The Climate Crew is organised by the Students' Union Environmental Awareness & Sustainability Officer. To earn the badge, students must join the Climate Crew and participate in at least six hours of Climate Crew meetings or activities. Contact the Students' Union Environmental Awareness & Sustainability Officer for further information.

Student Sustainability Leadership Awards

The Student Sustainability Leadership Awards recognise students who demonstrate outstanding sustainability leadership. Awardees receive a paid internship with the Sustainability Office. The Awards typically open for entries in March and the internship is completed the following academic year. See here for further information.

Student Residences Sustainability Champions

Atalia Student Residences DAC, which manages the student residences at University of Galway, has been making substantial efforts in the area of sustainability. Atalia appoints Student Residences Sustainability Champions to increase sustainability awareness and best practice in the student residences. 

Other ways to Learn, Live and Lead on sustainability

Learn about sustainability

Live sustainably - every little change counts

Our Student Sustainability Toolkit provides you with information and resources to move towards a more sustainable way of living.

Student Sustainability Toolkit cover

Be a leader - get active in the environmental movement