Champlain College Dublin Recognized for Innovation in Sustainability

Congratulations to our Champlain College Dublin program, which is honored to be a 2020 Finalist for the GoAbroad.com Innovation in Sustainability Award!

“This recognition of the Shop Local Program in Dublin places Champlain College in a category among the top study abroad programs in the world, and demonstrates our strong commitment to innovation and sustainability,” says Noah Goldblatt, Senior Director of International Education.

Over the past four semesters, Champlain College Dublin has immersed students in their local Liberties community, located in the heart of historic Dublin, through a series of groundbreaking local shopkeeper tours. This unique tour begins during Orientation and takes students to meet local independent shopkeepers at businesses located near their residence building. Students get to know the local fruit store, butchers, pharmacy, flower seller, cafes and more with guides from The Liberties Cultural Association including local historians James Madigan and Liz Gillis.

Since starting this initiative, “We have found that students are shopping in these independent stores and becoming friends with many Irish residents, creating a unique cultural experience,” says Tony Langan, Dublin Student Life Manager.

The Liberties community is one of he oldest areas in Dublin, and with ongoing gentrification, the area is at risk of losing its distinct local community feeling. By shopping locally, students are helping revive the neighborhood and keep Dublin’s rich history alive.

Staff at the Dublin campus collect receipts from students on a weekly basis to keep track of their local spending. Since these tours began, the average student spends approximately €480 in independent, family-run stores each semester.

The local community has held many events to thank the Champlain College students, such as the very first Thanksgiving dinner, a reception with Lord Mayor of Dublin, and the local community group being awarded a coveted ‘Pride of Place award’.

In addition to the Dublin shop local initiative, the Office of International Education at Champlain has taken steps toward sustainable travel, including a carbon offset program for all study abroad students, as well as an audit of green practices at the Champlain College Montreal campus.

This past spring, Environmental Studies & Policy major Tatum Robinson ‘20 worked with the Office of International Education as part of her senior capstone project to help move the College toward carbon neutral study abroad. More details on the outcomes of this outstanding project will come in future announcements.

Congratulations to Champlain College Dublin on receiving this well-deserved honor. As always, remember to shop local!

Interested in studying abroad at our Champlain College Dublin campus and supporting the local Liberties shopkeepers? Click here to explore more.