Ms Colette Murphy:

I thank the Cathaoirleach and members of the committee for the invitation to speak on behalf of Union of Students in Ireland, USI, on climate action and sustainable development. The Union of Students in Ireland, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn, was founded in 1959 and, through our member students’ unions, represents 374,000 students in colleges and universities around the island of Ireland.

USI policy on all issues, including climate action and sustainable development, is developed and voted on by students from our member students' unions.

As society continues to respond inadequately to the increasingly serious impact of climate change, students are well aware that it is young people who will see the worst consequences of a slow societal response. Action is needed now to prevent the most severe effects of climate change from taking place.

Ireland's goal to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero not later than 2050 can only be achieved through progressive ambitious policies and, most importantly, action. Third level institutions need to be leaders in progressing this change. The USI believes that every third level institution in Ireland should review the environmental impact of the investment portfolios they have and the external relationships they have with other organisations. They must also support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Another core aspect of moving to a just transition to net zero is ensuring that education for sustainable development is embedded in the curriculum in third level institutions. If done well, there is enormous potential for HEIs to positively impact society's move to net zero through the education of their students.

In terms of student representation and collaboration, students are pivotal stakeholders in higher education and climate change, and it is crucial that student voices are valued and well represented in decision-making processes that shape our future. There are many successes around the country where students have been key to climate action on their own campuses, which I will now highlight. Student unions have introduced vape bins to ensure the proper disposal of batteries. They have introduced sustainable food pantries to reduce food waste. They have invested in supplies of sustainable period products. They have participated in community litter pick-ups, such as the beach clean-ups by University of Galway Students Union. The on-campus edible food garden in Maynooth was done by Green Campus in collaboration with students. Campus clothes-swap and thrifting pop-ups in Maynooth and DCU are thriving. Many student unions, such as MTU Kerry, have provided KeepCups to replace single-use items. Of note is that UCC Students Union launched a petition in 2018 which got more than 8,000 signatures to lobby the college to make UCC a single-use-plastic-free campus by 2023. This has been successfully implemented and is a fantastic example of students effectively taking action to improve the carbon footprint of their college.

In terms of student accommodation and transport, staff and students commuting to college is one of the largest contributors to an institution's carbon footprint. As I am sure members are all well aware, due to the lack of affordable student accommodation near campuses, students often commute long distances to their HEIs. In 2022, the mean commuting time for those living with their parents during term time was 52 minutes, whereas those in student accommodation had a mean commuting time of 17 minutes. Unfortunately, many are left with no option but to commute by car, due to poor public transport in their areas. We would like to see the introduction of a cycle-to-college initiative, like the bike to work scheme to offset the expense of buying a bike and necessary accessories. Additionally, free public transport for students would further incentivise public transport as a low-carbon alternative to driving. Like many of the problems in the third level sector, the main solution to carbon emissions in third level institutions is interlinked with the student accommodation crisis.

To summarise our recommendations, we recommend achieving net zero and fossil fuel divestment and for institutions to support the implementation of such a strategy. We call for education for sustainable development to be embedded in the curriculum. Student representation and collaboration should be a core part of our work. Affordable accommodation and transport should be provided to all students. I again thank the committee for the opportunity to address it. We look forward to questions from members.