UCC launches Ireland’s first university academy to equip workforce with skills for green transition

• Leading environmentalist Sir Jonathon Porritt to officially launch new Academy at University College Cork on 11 November

• New partnership with Enterprise Ireland to deliver Sustainability Accelerator workshops to companies across Ireland

University College Cork (UCC) officially launches Ireland’s first university Sustainability Academy today (Wednesday, 11 November), as estimates suggest that up to half of the EU's working-age population will require upskilling or reskilling to support the green transition

The UCC Sustainability Academy is the first dedicated university sustainability education and training unit of its kind in Ireland. It will provide practical, flexible and accredited education and training to help businesses, public bodies, organisations and individuals respond to the challenges and opportunities of the green transition.

The launch comes amid an urgent need to address sustainability skills shortages across the workforce. With almost three-quarters of company executives believing their organisations lack the critical skills needed to achieve net-zero ambitions, UCC’s Sustainability Academy responds to the growing demand for the skills and expertise needed to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy and society.

The Academy will be officially launched today (Wednesday 11^th November) by internationally renowned environmentalist Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE, a former UK government adviser on sustainable development and one of the world's leading voices on environmental action.

James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, notes the importance of Academy in helping businesses and individuals develop the skills needed to deliver the green transition.

"The establishment of the Sustainability Academy at University College Cork represents an important investment in Ireland’s future. The Academy will equip learners in the public and private sectors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to drive the transition to a more sustainable economy and society. It will help develop the talent and capabilities required to meet our climate ambitions, while leveraging UCC’s leadership in sustainability education, training and skills development. This is about turning ambition into action and ensuring that Ireland has the skills and expertise to deliver a greener, more resilient future."

Bridging the sustainability skills gap

Drawing on the expertise of more than 100 sustainability academics across 25 Schools at UCC, the Academy will deliver a wide range of short, bespoke and stackable courses designed to meet the evolving needs of industry, business, local authorities, public bodies and the wider community. Its programmes combine UCC's research expertise, including that of the UCC Sustainability Institute, with the practical experience of specialist sustainability trainers and industry practitioners.

President of University College Cork, Professor John O’Halloran, said:

“Universities have a vital role to play in addressing the climate challenge, not only through research and innovation, but by equipping people with the skills to deliver meaningful change. The launch of UCC’s Sustainability Academy builds on our longstanding leadership in sustainability and demonstrates our commitment to working with industry and society to accelerate Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable future.”

Dr Paul Bolger, Head of UCC Sustainability Academy, said: 

“The transition to a sustainable economy and society is not simply about developing new technologies or changing how businesses operate. It requires a fundamental transformation in the skills and knowledge of our workforce.”

The Academy has just agreed a new partnership with Enterprise Ireland to deliver Sustainability Accelerator workshops to client companies across Ireland over the next year. 

Alison Nolan, Senior Executive at Enterprise Ireland emphasises the importance of training and capacity building for Irish business:

“As sustainability becomes increasingly linked to business resilience, competitiveness and growth, there is a growing need for practical skills and capability-building across Irish enterprises. Enterprise Ireland are delighted to partner with the UCC Sustainability Academy, supporting Irish businesses to build the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively to future challenges and opportunities.”

A critical moment for sustainability leadership

Sir Jonathon Porritt, who will officially launch the Academy in Cork today, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the increasingly important role of education and leadership in addressing sustainability challenges. “It's very encouraging to hear of the launch of the new Sustainability Academy – which couldn't come at a more opportune moment. There's less external pressure on businesses today to get on top of their many sustainability challenges, but the need is greater than ever, and the opportunity correspondingly enormous.

“It's a real test of business leadership, and I have no doubt that the Academy will be able to play a critical role in that regard.”

Ends

About Sir Jonathon Porritt

Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE is one of the world's best-known environmental campaigners and sustainability advocates.

He served as Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission for nine years, advising government ministers on sustainable development policy, and was Chancellor of Keele University from 2012 to 2022.

A former Co-Chair of the Green Party (1980–1983) and Director of Friends of the Earth (1984–1990), he co-founded the international sustainable development charity Forum for the Future in 1996 and was a co-founder of the Prince of Wales's Business and Sustainability Programme.

Throughout his career, he has advised leading UK and international companies on responding to the interconnected climate and nature crises.

Since stepping down from Forum for the Future in 2023, he has returned to environmental campaigning, supporting youth-led climate action and the Green Party.

His latest book, Love, Anger & Betrayal (2025), explores the motivations and experiences of young climate campaigners and the growing urgency of environmental action.

Sir Jonathon was awarded a CBE in 2000 for services to environmental protection.

For further information about UCC Sustainability Academy and its programmes, visit: www.ucc.ie/en/sustainability-academy