Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has celebrated a major sustainability milestone after achieving ISO 50001 certification for its energy management system.
The achievement comes as TUS recorded a 27.5% reduction in fossil CO₂ emissions in 2025 compared with 2024, equivalent to 488 tonnes of CO₂, and was marked at an event in the Office of the TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, which also saw the launch of the university’s Reduce Your Use campaign for 2026/27.
TUS received I.S. EN ISO 50001:2018 certification following a successful assessment by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). The internationally recognised standard reflects the work being undertaken across TUS to continually improve its energy performance through sustainable building and energy management.
This includes monitoring energy use and emissions, identifying and addressing energy issues and putting measures in place to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary consumption.
Measures implemented across TUS include: the optimisation of building operations through standard operating procedures; the rollout of energy monitoring and sub-metering systems; the replacement of oil boilers with heat pump technology; internal and car park lighting upgrades; domestic hot water heat pump installations; solar thermal optimisation and a pump replacement programme.
President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane, said:
“This internationally recognised standard provides us with a strong framework for continually improving how we manage energy across our campuses and supports our wider commitment to sustainability.
“I want to acknowledge the work of our Estates and Energy teams, and all those across TUS who have contributed to achieving this certification. It is an achievement we can be very proud of and one that we are determined to build on.”
The event also marked the launch of Reduce Your Use 2026/27, encouraging staff and students to take simple, practical steps to reduce energy consumption and consider how energy is used in their day-to-day activities.
Campaign posters will be displayed at the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) and Clonmel campuses, while Reduce Your Use messaging will feature on audiovisual screens across other TUS campuses.
There will also be opportunities for staff and students to get involved through quizzes, competitions and other activities as the campaign progresses.
Dr Mary Cregg, Vice President for Capital Services and Capital Development at TUS, said:
“The reduction in our fossil CO₂ emissions shows the impact that the measures we are taking across our campuses can have, and we want to continue that progress and, where possible, reduce our emissions even further.
“But there is only so much that can be achieved through improvements to our buildings and infrastructure. Reducing energy use requires a whole-of-University response, with our staff and students having an important part to play.
“That is why Reduce Your Use is so important. It is about encouraging all of us to think about how we use energy every day because, collectively, small changes across our University community can make a real difference.”