Cultivating A Sustainability Culture In Irish Second Level Schools

Abstract

graduated with first class honours from the University of Limerick in 2005 in Technology Education. She is currently a researcher in environmental sustainability in the University of Limerick undertaking a Masters by research in the area of sustainability and second level schools in Ireland. Sonya is also a tutor in the Explore Engineering Summer Camp, which is run as an introduction to engineering programme in the University of Limerick and is a consultant tutor in the technology learning centre. William Gaughran, University of LimerickDr Bill Gaughran is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Manufacturing and Operations Engineering at the University of Limerick. He leads a number of research groups, including one in sustainable design and engineering, which includes sustainability strategies for SMEs, waste minimisation in manufacturing, and sustainability in schools and colleges. He is a research partner with the EU INTERREG IIIC/DQE project (Towards a Sustainable Region), and contributes to developing strategies, which inform environmental sustainability policy in EU states. He has developed educational intervention modules for SMEs as well as for engineering and design undergraduates for Interregional EU application. He lectures in design for sustainability across a number of courses in UL, and endeavours to link academic research with industry, through seminars and onsite coaching. He believes that the application of sustainability strategies is not just a moral obligation in manufacturing, but also helps secure competitive advantage. He holds a PhD in Design and Ergonomics from Brunel University.