On November 10th, 2026, National College of Ireland hosted Sustainability Day for the second year following the success of last year's maiden event. The morning began with live presentations, and poster displays that highlighted NCI’s work in sustainability. This was followed by an afternoon of skills sharing sessions and the College's annual Bring and Buy Sale in partnership with NCISU.
Sustainability Day allows staff and students to demonstrate their creativity and expertise in the Skills Sharing Sessions that took place in the afternoon. A hit last year and a hit again this year, these sessions bring people together to chat, learn something new, and practice skills or crafts such as sewing, mending, repurposing, growing, or making something sustainable.
Fostering community
Once again, faculty, staff, and students were invited to take part in this event, and earlier this year, they were invited to give short lightning talks or present posters on their sustainability projects or initiatives. It is encouraging to see the same expressions of interest as this event moves into its second iteration.
This year's schedule included an opening from NCI President, Professor Emma Stokes, academic discussions about NCI's bees and our very own honey, Celtic mythology and UN Sustainable Development Goals, Dublin City Council District heating, and AI and Sustainability. Students gave presentations on AI in agriculture and explored AI in energy systems, and an open research coffee discussion was held in the library. A Charity of the year Donations session took place in the Atrium, alongside pancakes being served with our infamous NCI honey so that everyone could enjoy a sweet treat.
The Sustainability Day Committee worked hard to organise this event and make it an enjoyable day for all, these efforts alongside the efforts of the volunteers on the day resulted in a busy, bustling, fun atmosphere in Mayor Square as everyone came together to enjoy themselves.
"It was a terrific day. The Sustainability Committee would like to thank all staff and students who came together to bring the event to life. We would especially like to note that this event was in partnership with NCISU as days like this allow us to not only raise money for charity, but to bring everyone together to collaborate, share ideas, and enjoy themselves while we continue working towards NCI's sustainability goals." ~ Steve Sands, on behalf of NCI's Sustainability Committee at NCI.
Bring and Buy sale 2026
Each year, the proceeds from the Bring and Buy sale go to a charity selected by NCISU. This year, the Bring and Buy sale in combination with NCI’s pancakes, raised €300. This year’s proceeds will go to Movember.
About Movember
Movember was officially established in 2004. A simple idea about friends growing moustaches to raise money and spark conversations about men's health has expanded over the past twenty-two years. Now, Movember is a global health movement, and the moustaches have funded more than AUD $1.8 billion in prevention-focused work across mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. The Movember Institute of Men's Health brings leading researchers, clinicians, and global partners together to act by raising awareness on a worldwide scale. Movember focuses on early action and prevention by leading discussions about men's health and working towards improving services and outcomes for men through the research conducted. Most importantly, Movember offers support when it matters the most.
You can visit the official website to learn more about Movember.
NCI's annual Bring and Buy sale involves a lot of work behind-the-scenes in the buildup to Sustainability Day. Items such as books, clothes, accessories, or small household items; anything in good condition that deserved a second life was welcomed to be donated. Events like this cannot happen if people are not willing to lend a hand. At NCI, staff and students across both campus buildings work hard to create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Days like this illustrate that NCI is a campus where people come together. Extra hands volunteered to help with setup, stalls, and welcoming visitors to Sustainability Day.
At National College of Ireland, sustainability is a guiding principle that permeates every aspect of the institution. From academic programmes to campus operations, NCI prioritises sustainability to ensure a thriving future for generations to come.
Sustainability is at the heart of NCI's 5 Year Strategic Plan as the College aims to become one of the most sustainable third level institutions in the country.
You can learn more about sustainability at NCI by visiting our Sustainability page.