The Dr Karen Guinee Library at University of Galway is to receive special funding from EBSCO Information Services to support the advancement of renewable energy and sustainability initiatives.

The 2026 EBSCO Solar Grant programme is an annual initiative which supports libraries and educational institutions pursuing solar energy projects that reduce environmental impact, lower operating costs and create new opportunities for sustainability education and community engagement.

University of Galway is among five libraries and academic institutions across three continents to receive funding as part of the 2026 EBSCO Solar Grant programme to advance renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. The funding will offset the cost of solar panel installation.

The installation of solar panels in the Dr Karen Guinee Library builds on University-wide progress that has already seen energy efficiency improve by more than 50% across campus. It also supports the ambitions of the University's Sustainability Strategy 2026–2030, which sets out a vision for a carbon-neutral, nature-positive and healthy university.

University of Galway has been recognised nationally and internationally for its sustainability leadership, including ranked #1 in Ireland in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings for the fifth year, as well as top 3 in the EU and top 100 in the world. The University has also renewed its AASHE STARS Gold rating for sustainability.

Monica Crump, University Librarian, said: “University of Galway has been recognised as an SDG Ambassador by the Irish government due to our commitment to sustainability and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. That commitment has been strongly reflected in the design of our new library - the Dr Karen Guinee Library.  

 “We are delighted to have the support of EBSCO Information Services through the EBSCO Solar grant to ensure solar energy is a key component of the sustainability of our new building. We look forward to inspiring our students with the sustainability story of the Dr Karen Guinee Library when we open in 2027.”

The addition of solar energy at the Dr Karen Guinee Library will support the University’s ambitious environmental goals and help power a next-generation learning and research space that will serve students, faculty and the wider community for decades to come.

EBSCO is a leading provider of research databases, e-journal and e-package subscription management, book collection development and acquisition management, and a major provider of library technology, e-books and clinical decision solutions.

Other recipients to share in the total funding package of $300,000 are Black River Falls Public Library in Black River Falls, Wisconsin; Cornwall Public Library in Cornwall, New York; Newburgh Chandler Public Library in Newburgh, Indiana; and Lupane State University in Lupane, Zimbabwe.

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