Case Study
Supporting University College Dublin (UCD) on Their Sustainability Journey
The Customer
University College Dublin (UCD) is one of Ireland’s largest universities and is home to over 38,000 students, staff, and contractors on its Belfield campus in Dublin. The University has a deep commitment to leading in sustainability. One of the key aims of our partnership is to integrate sustainable practices into campus operations as part of UCD’s Green Campus Initiative.
The Challenge
Our business faced the task of aligning its cleaning and grounds maintenance services with UCD’s ambitious sustainability goals. This required delivering a transformation of the services solutions including transitioning to eco-friendly, chemical-free cleaning methods and implementing initiatives that would significantly reduce the environmental impact of our services.
The Solution
Working closely with our client, our team launched a series of strategic initiatives supported by our ESG Director and ESG team. A dedicated Sustainability Committee, headed by Laura Murphy, Education Operations Manager, was formed, comprising contract managers, senior supervisors, and other key personnel. Their mission was to ensure the cleaning operations supported UCD’s sustainability objectives.
Key Initiative Pillars
Water Conservation
Eco-Friendly Equipment
Chemical Reduction
Staff Training & Engagement
Water Conservation
We have introduced the Comac InAqua System on site. This new ground-breaking technology recycles dirty water from cleaning equipment, filtering it to produce clean water.
A Rainwater Harvesting system implemented on campus collects rainwater for use in cleaning services, saving around 400,000 litres of water per year in our operations
Chemical Reduction
Through the use of the Tersano Chemical-Free Cleaning System at UCD, our team has been able to turn tap water into Stabilized Aqueous Ozone (SAO), a powerful cleaning agent that eliminates the need for traditional chemical cleaning solutions.
To complement this, the QuattroSelect Dilution Station ensures precise dilution of cleaning agents when used, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Equipment
The Bidvest Noonan team at UCD have a wide range of innovative cleaning equipment and machinery.
The Rex Cleaning Robot is an advanced robot that cleans large campus communal areas efficiently. It recharges, empties the wastewater tank, and refills the solution tank all on its own.
A range of the latest i-Mops are used by the team. These machines are versatile and offer faster cleaning times and significant water savings.
The grounds maintenance team have introduced Electric Machinery including electric road and path sweepers, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers.
Staff Training & Engagement
Comprehensive training programs are in place to educate Bidvest Noonan staff at UCD on new equipment and sustainable practices. Regular communication and involvement of staff in sustainability initiatives are done to ensure alignment with environmental goals.
The Outcome
The results of our initiatives at University College Dublin (UCD) have been substantial:
Water Savings
The Comac Inaqua system and rainwater harvesting significantly reduced water consumption, with the Comac alone saving 316,000 litres of water in its first year of operation on site.
Improved Efficiency
The advanced cleaning equipment improved efficiency and minimised water and energy usage. The introduction of i-Mops to the campus has led to 70% faster clean times than conventional wet mopping and up to 30% faster than conventional auto scrubbing. The grounds team have saved circa 4,000 litres of diesel from the use of battery-powered machinery.
Chemical Redction
The shift to chemical-free cleaning solutions and precise dilution systems drastically cut down the use of harmful chemicals, promoting a healthier campus environment. It has allowed an 80% reduction in single-use plastics.
Next Steps
Bidvest Noonan and UCD remain committed to continuous improvement. Exciting projects that have already got underway include transitioning to fully electric vehicles, implementing sensor technology to optimise energy use, and promoting eco-friendly commuting options for staff. These initiatives aim to further reduce the environmental footprint of UCD’s cleaning operations and support the university’s overall sustainability goals.