Dunlin Village achieves BREEAM International, Very Good Certification

Dunlin Village, Student Residences opened its doors to students in 2023. The project was steered under the University pillar of Sustainability ensuring the University goals and ambitions in this important area are brought through into every aspect of design, statutory approvals, construction and operations in the developed infrastructure. In July, 2025, following two years of operations and management, we can announce the first built development at the University of Galway to achieve a global recognised sustainability certification.

The development encompasses BREEAM features such as BER A3 rating, best practice pollution prevention policies, seasonal commissioning, heat pump technology, enhanced daylight, solar energy and ventilation strategies, water conservation measures, protected biodiversity and energy-efficient lifts.

BREEAM is the first building certification system, developed by BRE over 30 years ago and has since evolved into an internationally recognised standard of sustainability, quality and value that can be applied across the entire building lifecycle, to all assets, anywhere in the world. The BREEAM framework provides solutions to many of the key challenges facing the built environment, from working towards net zero carbon to addressing health and social impacts together with providing a credible scientific framework, informed by BRE’s expertise in science and research

The achievement of this formal certification cements the University ambitions in its operations and how every aspect of its business is being approached in climate conscious sustainable manner.