Net carbon zero
Reflecting the Government of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2023, RCSI is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to improve energy efficiency by 50% by 2030. These are agreed as critical milestones if RCSI is to achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
In April 2024, RCSI published its own Climate Action Roadmap detailing how sustainability will influence decision-making across academic, research, engagement and campus operations to achieve net carbon zero by 2050.
It reflects the ambitions of our 2023-2027 strategic plan, Innovating for a Healthier Future, and RCSI’s commitment to use our expertise to improve both human health and the health of our planet, and to enhance the understanding of the link between the two.
Key priorities in the roadmap include:
- Upgrading the university's building stock and technology to optimise energy efficiency
- The rollout of renewable energy projects across the university's estate
- Further improvements in waste management and reductions in single-use items, and
- Increasing education and awareness among staff and students.
Case study: Dental Education Centre
In 2025, RCSI’s new School of Dentistry moved to Reservoir House, Sandyford, following a major renovation and deep energy retrofit. The retrofit was supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) through the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, with RCSI awarded €345,000 in grant funding for energy efficiency measures.
The renovation included bespoke building requirements, a complete building envelope upgrade, heating and hot water electrification, LED upgrade, advanced building management system and operational control. As a result, the building’s annual heating energy use has reduced by 70%. This facility is an exemplar of energy efficient design and, following this project, is firmly on track for net zero by 2050.