UPS, Trinity College five-year partnership to drive sustainability in logistics

Trinity College Dublin recently announced a five-year partnership with leading logistics company UPS to drive sustainable initiatives in Dublin’s logistics sector and to provide internship opportunities for students. 

The partnership involves two main initiatives that will take place at the Trinity College campus in the city centre. 

The first being a UPS ‘urban eco package’ hub which will be a mini distribution centre for parcel deliveries. As opposed to carbon-emitting delivery vans, all parcels dispatched from the eco package hub will be delivered on foot and via UPS electrically-assisted cargo cycles.   

Another initiative will be the installation of lockers operated by Parcel Motel, a remote address company under UPS, that will be used by Trinity students and staff on campus. 

This also cuts down the massive carbon emissions caused by the increase in urban and residential deliveries thanks to the recent boom in e-commerce consumerism. Especially among university students.  

“Trinity’s steadfast commitment to sustainability is driven by both staff and students, from research and education programmes to practical campus initiatives,” said Trinity College Dublin Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast. 

“This partnership with UPS will benefit the college community, both with the installation of the new parcel delivery solutions on campus and for students to participate in valuable internship and employment opportunities at UPS.”

The partnership will also provide Trinity students with UPS internship and graduate programme opportunities at any one of the logistics company’s European locations. 

Besides that, the organisations will also arrange for a range of sustainability workshops and projects to cultivate a productive environment in the university where more sustainable ideas for the future are generated. 

These initiatives echo UPS’ existing sustainability initiatives which aim to reduce the number of delivery trucks on urban roads, effectively contributing to lowered carbon emissions. 

The Trinity College urban eco package hub complements an existing hub on Wolfe Tone Street that has been operating since 2017. 

In partnership with the Dublin City Council, UPS has successfully eliminated the use of five diesel delivery vehicles in the city centre through the hub. Reducing urban carbon emissions by up to 45 percent. 

Meanwhile, Trinity College Dublin is also a prominent figure in Dublin’s fight for sustainability. The university ranked tenth in the global 2019 Times Higher Education Ranking for the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Climate Action. 

It is also the first Irish university to join the International Sustainable Campus Network. 

“UPS is committed to addressing the environmental challenges facing the logistics sector by partnering with influential organisations,” said UPS Ireland Country Manager Andy Smith. 

“This collaboration with Trinity College Dublin will help us deliver a more sustainable future for Dublin, reducing carbon emissions on campus and in the city, while inspiring students to develop ideas that will benefit the local community for years to come.”