A diverse programme took place including a clothes swap shop, tree planting and a seminar on biodiversity for businesses.
Staff and students at SETU came together in March to celebrate Green Week 2026, with events across all campuses to raise awareness of sustainability and the importance of environmental action throughout the university community.
A diverse programme of activities took place throughout the week, beginning in Summerhill Campus Wexford with the Business of Biodiversity Seminar: Nature Positive Business, which examined how businesses can actively support biodiversity while advancing sustainable economic development.
A Green Day was held at the Kilkenny Road Campus in Carlow, with contributions from the South East Energy Agency and Optimising Power at Work Campaign, who shared insights on renewable technologies and practical tips for saving energy at home and in the workplace.
In addition, a clothes swap shop was organised and run by students from the BA in Public Relations & Media and the BA in Content Creation & Social Media. Students were invited to bring a quality item of clothing from their wardrobe and exchange it for something new, promoting sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste.
Another highlight included a biodiversity initiative led by the Land Sciences Living Lab, supported by West Pharmaceutical Services. The project brought together local schoolchildren from Mount Sion Primary School in Waterford, Waterford Lions Club and Waterford Trees for Life, to plant 250 native Irish saplings on the West Campus in Carriganore.
“It was fantastic to see so many students and staff actively engage with SETU's Green Week. The clothes swap was a real highlight, with students exchanging pre-loved clothing and supporting a creative, community-led approach to sustainability. The energy stands and consultations on home energy and renewable options were also very popular, giving participants advice on sustainable energy practices. Overall, it was a vibrant week that demonstrated sustainability in action across the campus community.”
Jessica Cullen, Sustainability Manager at SETU
Green Week also saw the official launch of the new SETU Student Sustainability Society, ‘SETUdents for Sustainability’.
Jessica Cullen, Sustainability Manager at SETU said:
“It was fantastic to see so many students and staff actively engage with SETU's Green Week. The clothes swap was a real highlight, with students exchanging pre-loved clothing and supporting a creative, community-led approach to sustainability. The energy stands and consultations on home energy and renewable options were also very popular, giving participants advice on sustainable energy practices. Overall, it was a vibrant week that demonstrated sustainability in action across the campus community.”
As part of Green Week SETU hosted a public meeting presenting the results of an EPA and Waterford City and County Council Citizen Science Project, ‘Clean Air Together.’ Additional events included a wind power workshop introducing secondary school students to renewable energy; Climate-smart cooking on a budget; sessions demonstrating how affordable ingredients can be used to prepare low-carbon meals; an information session on how to manage waste correctly and reduce waste overall; Siúil sa Dúlra (Walk in Nature and Irish) and poster exhibitions, campus wellbeing walks and research seminars from EU-Conexus.
Green Week is coordinated by the SETU Sustainable Development Office in collaboration with Green Campus teams, academic departments and staff and students across SETU.
