Glanmire Community College have been working hard towards making the school a more environmentally sustainable campus. Last year there was the introduction of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to combat climate change globally, which were incorporated into the curriculum across all subject areas. The school invested in excellent recycling stations throughout the building and resulted in a huge reduction in general waste, where food waste is composted, and dry recyclables are separated reducing landfill significantly. Awareness of waste prevention through educational workshops, a green schools teacher & student committee along with guest speakers have all been working towards this initiative. GCC aims to achieve its Green Flag this year which will promote a more sustainable future with ongoing assessments and reviews by the Green Schools Organisation, which is IrelandÍ›’s leading environmental management and award programme, working with schools across the country.
GCC also created a partnership with Ryans SuperValu Glanmire to develop Environmental Sustainability in the local community. This in an ongoing partnership which will include working with the local tidy towns committees and developing a whole community approach to improve the environment, along with full support from the Cork City Council environmental section.
As a waste prevention initiate, to promote reusable drinking bottles, and move away from single use plastic, GCC availed of the Waste Prevention Grant supported the Cork City Council which part funded digital hands free filtered cold water dispensers throughout the school building. In just 3 weeks over 5000 bottles have been reused. Most students now have reusable bottles and are enjoying these water dispensers, promoting physical health and well-being while also helping our environment.
Many thanks to deputy principal Seamus kennefick for project managing this initiative, thanks to the ongoing work and support by the teacher and students green school committee, and thanks also to Mary Walsh Executive Scientist from the Cork City Council.
DP Seamus Kennefick with Mary Wash (City Council) and Student Dylan McEvoy (student Committee)
Diasy Horan Green Schools Committee
Dylan McEvoy Green Schools Committee
Feature Picture from Left; Mary Walsh, Cork City Council, Student Daisy Horan & Principal Ronan Mc Carthy.