Donegal Town Credit Union to fund sustainability projects in primary schools

As part of their Green Agenda, Donegal Town Credit Union has recently approved funding for green projects for all primary schools within their Common Bond area. 

In total, 12 schools will receive €1,000 each to spend on green initiatives, encouraging their pupils to get involved in a variety of different ways to encourage a collective responsibility towards our environment and promote the message that every small step can make a big difference when it comes to navigating a changing environment.

A spokesperson said: “Donegal Town Credit Union is a not-for-profit organisation, run solely for the benefit of its members and the board and staff of DTCU feel it is a responsibility to do what they can to operate within the community in a sustainable way, making smarter choices to achieve a reduction in their carbon footprint. 

“This includes measures to reduce energy use and an upcoming installation of solar panels, hopefully enabling DTCU to operate at net zero by the end of 2024.”

In March this year, Transition Year students from the local Abbey Vocational School were asked to work with DTCU to make a presentation to the Board of Directors highlighting the importance of pursuing a more sustainable approach to operations. 

The students surveyed hundreds of their peers over a number of weeks and carried out extensive research on the topic and made a very detailed and convincing argument to the Board of Directors, showing how highly young people rank social responsibility as a factor when considering a bank. 

The spokesperson said: “The Board were very impressed with the students and their presentation and in turn, made the decision to approve funding for solar panels and the community funding for the local schools. 

“This collaboration further highlights the importance of the Credit Union within the community, by giving young members of the community a voice and listening to what they have to say.”

Donegal Town Credit Union has been listed as a partner of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals initiative and will report back to the UN the progress that has been made within the community as a result of DTCU initiatives.