TU Dublin launch Sustainable Energy Action Plan

Technological University Dublin has announced a comprehensive Sustainable Energy Action Plan aimed at advancing its energy decarbonisation strategy across five main campuses—Aungier Street, Blanchardstown, Bolton Street, Grangegorman, and Tallaght—alongside several satellite sites.

The report highlights significant progress to date, including a 26% improvement in energy efficiency since 2009 and a 19% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, now at 8,901 tCO₂e compared to a baseline of 10,947 tCO₂e. However, rising energy demand from new facilities and post-pandemic activity poses ongoing challenges.

A detailed opportunity evaluation identified high-impact measures such as district heating expansion, solar PV installations, energy storage, and improved building management systems. Additional initiatives include LED lighting upgrades, medium retrofits, space optimisation, and behavioural change campaigns.

Projects have been prioritised into short, medium, and long-term timelines based on cost-effectiveness and carbon reduction potential. Immediate actions will focus on metering improvements, lighting upgrades, and BMS optimisation, while medium-term plans include geothermal exploration at Grangegorman and decarbonised district heating at Blanchardstown.

TU Dublin’s roadmap excludes deep retrofits until after 2030, aligning with its Climate Action commitments. These measures will accelerate progress towards the university's long-term sustainability goals.