University College Cork has launched what it says is Ireland's first dedicated university sustainability education and training academy, with the aim of helping people and organisations develop skills for the green transition.

The UCC Sustainability Academy will offer practical, flexible and accredited training for businesses, public bodies, other organisations and individuals. Environmentalist Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE was due to launch it in Cork on 11 November.

The launch comes as estimates suggest that up to half of the EU's working-age population will need upskilling or reskilling for the green transition. Almost three-quarters of company executives believe their organisations lack critical skills needed to achieve net-zero ambitions, according to the announcement.

James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: "The establishment of the Sustainability Academy at University College Cork represents an important investment in Ireland's future. The Academy will equip learners in the public and private sectors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to drive the transition to a more sustainable economy and society. It will help develop the talent and capabilities required to meet our climate ambitions, while leveraging UCC's leadership in sustainability education, training and skills development. This is about turning ambition into action and ensuring that Ireland has the skills and expertise to deliver a greener, more resilient future."

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The academy will draw on more than 100 sustainability academics across 25 UCC schools. It plans to provide short, bespoke and stackable courses for industry, businesses, local authorities, public bodies and the wider community, combining university research with the experience of specialist trainers and industry practitioners.

UCC president Professor John O'Halloran said: "Universities have a vital role to play in addressing the climate challenge, not only through research and innovation, but by equipping people with the skills to deliver meaningful change. The launch of UCC's Sustainability Academy builds on our longstanding leadership in sustainability and demonstrates our commitment to working with industry and society to accelerate Ireland's transition to a more sustainable future."

Dr Paul Bolger, head of the academy, said: "The transition to a sustainable economy and society is not simply about developing new technologies or changing how businesses operate. It requires a fundamental transformation in the skills and knowledge of our workforce."

The academy has also agreed to work with Enterprise Ireland on Sustainability Accelerator workshops for its client companies across Ireland over the following year.

Alison Nolan, senior executive at Enterprise Ireland, said: "As sustainability becomes increasingly linked to business resilience, competitiveness and growth, there is a growing need for practical skills and capability-building across Irish enterprises. Enterprise Ireland are delighted to partner with the UCC Sustainability Academy, supporting Irish businesses to build the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively to future challenges and opportunities."

Sir Jonathon welcomed the initiative, saying: "It's very encouraging to hear of the launch of the new Sustainability Academy – which couldn't come at a more opportune moment. There's less external pressure on businesses today to get on top of their many sustainability challenges, but the need is greater than ever, and the opportunity correspondingly enormous.

"It's a real test of business leadership, and I have no doubt that the Academy will be able to play a critical role in that regard."

Sir Jonathon previously chaired the UK Sustainable Development Commission for nine years and was chancellor of Keele University from 2012 to 2022. A former Green Party co-chair and Friends of the Earth director, he co-founded the charity Forum for the Future in 1996 and helped establish the Prince of Wales's Business and Sustainability Programme.

He stepped down from Forum for the Future in 2023 and has since supported youth-led climate action and the Green Party. His 2025 book, Love, Anger & Betrayal, examines the experiences of young climate campaigners. He was awarded a CBE in 2000 for services to environmental protection.

Further information about the academy is available at www.ucc.ie/en/sustainability-academy.