Water

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NUI Galway is committed to the effective and efficient use of water throughout the campus and the appropriate treatment, management and disposal of wastewater. The University will strive to reduce its water usage and increase the use of harvested rainwater through a series of measures, including: water leakage detection and repair programme, education and outreach, process-related efficiency measures, greywater and rainwater harvesting. The Certified Water Stewardship badge shows that the NUI Galway have undertaken a course designed to show Leadership and set goals/targets in reducing water consumption.

NUI Galway is committed to reducing bottled water consumption on campus by increasing drinking water facilities, improving signage and implementing a programme of education and awareness. A water-leakage detection and repair programme rolled out on South Campus incorporating mains replacement has reduced water usage by almost two thirds since 2007. The roll-out of a waterless urinal project that eliminates the need for regular timed flushing has resulted in the saving of 29,800 cubic meters of water per annum.

NUI Galway is a global leader for research on life below water and education and support for aquatic ecosystems both locally and globally. The Times Higher Societal Impact Rankings placed NUI Galway 10th in the world for addressing UN SDG 14 – life below water. SDG 14 aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution and address the impacts of ocean acidification.

Over the next 2020-2025 period NUI Galway is committed and as set out a Water Stewardship Charter outlining its actions and targets. We will continue to highlight the importance of water as a critical and limited resource and eliminate all unnecessary water usage on campus. We will engage staff, students and visitors in responsible water usage on campus and by example encourage responsible water use practice in the wider community. We will continue to lead and contribute to water research providing sustainable local and global solutions for water resource management, supply and treatment. Through research-led teaching and on-campus applied solutions we will ensure that our future water professionals are cognisant of best, sustainable practices in water resource management, treatment and supply.

Strategic Aims

To raise awareness with staff, students and visitors of water as a critical and limited resource that must be used responsibly.
To reduce water usage on campus by 10% by 2025 based on 2018 baseline.
To eliminate all unnecessary water usage on campus, to maintain and further improve the water usage reductions achieved on campus in the last period.
NUI Galway to utilise new technologies and methods to reduce water consumption on our Laboratory's and Research labs.
To eliminate the reliance of staff, students and visitors on single use plastics for water consumption.

About NUI Galway

Founded in 1845, we've been inspiring students for 175 years. NUI Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching.