Limerick college named Education Provider of the Year at climate change awards

MARY IMMACULATE College (MIC) has been named Education Provider of the Year at Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards (ICCLA) 2025.

It has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, climate education, and community engagement.

The awards, which celebrate organisations leading the way in climate action, were held on Friday, October 3, at a black-tie ceremony in the historic Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.

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Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Colm O’Regan, the event also featured an address from Minister Roderic O’Gorman, leader of the Green Party, who praised Ireland’s growing leadership in sustainability and climate innovation.

The ICCLA Education Provider of the Year Award recognises institutions that demonstrate innovation and excellence in climate education, from curriculum design to research and community outreach.

MIC was shortlisted alongside the Institute of Public Administration, Bord na Móna, IRD Duhallow, and Dairygold Co-Operative Society, before being announced as the overall winner of the Education Provider category.

Reflecting on MIC’s achievement, Professor Paul Aplin said, “We’ve got a great team of climate/sustainability enthusiasts among the MIC community, and this nomination shows the strong progress we’re making in this area, both in our teaching programmes but also in broader sustainability commitments.”

The achievement builds on the work outlined in the MIC Climate Action Roadmap 2030, a strategic plan aligning the College’s practice with the principles of climate justice, sustainability, and global citizenship. The roadmap prioritises measurable progress across teaching, research, and community engagement, ensuring that MIC continues to lead by example in higher education.

The awards are organised annually to honour individuals, organisations, and institutions making a positive impact through innovation, leadership, and measurable climate action.