Investing in clean energy: How Sport Ireland is building a greener Campus
Today, on International Day of Clean Energy, we reflect on some of the significant investments Sport Ireland Campus has made in delivering more sustainable and climate-resilient facilities. In line with the Campus Masterplan Vision, we continue working toward our target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
A standout achievement in 2025 was the completion of the Borehole Water Supply project, which now provides 100% of the water for the Competition Pool in the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre.
The boreholes supply around 16 m³/hr, reducing mains water usage by 120,000 litres a year, while also strengthening long-term water security and easing pressure on Fingal’s municipal supply.
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “As we face growing environmental and social challenges, it is important that we consider how we can work together to make a positive and lasting difference. For Sport Ireland, sustainability is a responsibility we take seriously.”
“With the support of our stakeholders, we are committed to ensuring that sport leaves a positive legacy for future generations. The Borehole Water Supply initiative is a practical example of this commitment, reflecting our ongoing focus on sustainability and our determination to deliver meaningful, long-term change.
“This work goes beyond reducing our carbon footprint or strengthening climate resilience. It is about ensuring that the future of sport in Ireland is shaped by strong environmental and social responsibility, and that these principles are embedded in how we plan, invest, and deliver sport on the Sport Ireland Campus.”
Work continues to proceed on Campus renewable energy feasibility studies, and several projects were also completed in 2025.
The Sport Ireland Campus has replaced five diesel vans with five electric vehicles. Over the course of a year this will reduce emissions by around a tonne of CO₂ and save around €3,000. A planned solar photovoltaic panels installation will enable “off-grid” electric vehicles charging from 2026.
The Campus also completed a full LED lighting upgrade at the multi-sport pitches, walkways, and National Aquatic Centre carparks.
Switching to LED lighting uses significantly less energy, which reduces electricity consumption and cuts costs. LEDs last longer than traditional lights, meaning lower maintenance and fewer replacements, which improves energy efficiency.
Sport Ireland Campus has also been recognised for several sustainable green initiatives.
The Campus achieved the international Green Flag Award in 2025. This award is a global benchmark for excellence in the management of parks, green spaces, and landscaped environments.
This award acknowledges our commitment to maintaining high horticultural and environmental standards, protecting biodiversity, delivering safe and accessible outdoor spaces, and promoting sustainable land management practices.
It reflects the dedication of our teams to ensuring a high-quality, welcoming, and environmentally responsible campus environment for all visitors.
The National Transport Authority awarded the Campus the Silver Smarter Travel Mark, which recognises our commitment to active and low-carbon transport.
With free staff bike rentals, secure parking, repair stands, and a staff car-pooling initiative, sustainable travel continues to grow across campus.
Sport Ireland is also a part of the ESMIS Project (Enhance Sustainable Measures in Sports Facilities), a pan-European initiative dedicated to promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation within sports facilities.
Through a collaborative consortium, ESMIS tackles the urgent challenge of greening sports infrastructure by developing tools, guidelines, and a knowledge-sharing platform that empower facilities to adopt sustainable practices.
Looking at what 2026 holds
The year ahead marks a major step forward for sustainability across the Sport Ireland Campus, where there will be an enhanced focus on protecting the natural landscape and strengthening ecological resilience.
Work will take place on establishing nature corridors, which will improve habitat connectivity and support native species.
These measures, combined with our ongoing stewardship of woodland, meadow and wetland areas, will help safeguard biodiversity as the Campus continues to evolve into a thriving and accessible green environment.
Energy transformation will also accelerate in 2026, with substantial upgrades to Campus energy systems aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational carbon emissions.
Significant retrofit projects will commence across key buildings, introducing modernised plant, smarter controls and more efficient heating solutions. These interventions are designed to future‑proof the Campus’s energy performance and advance Sport Ireland’s commitment to meeting national climate targets.
There are a series of flagship capital projects taking place that will further shape the Campus into one of the world’s leading centres for sport. These include the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre and the National Cricket Centre.
Each project is being delivered with sustainability embedded at its core - from energy‑efficient design to enhanced environmental integration - ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of ecological or carbon ambition.
In parallel, Sport Ireland will deliver one of its most impactful renewable energy investments to date: the installation of a 500 kWp solar PV system.
Once operational, this system will generate enough clean energy to power and heat the equivalent of more than 150 family homes each year, significantly cutting carbon emissions and reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Together, these initiatives reflect Sport Ireland’s commitment to a more sustainable, resilient and climate‑positive future.
