Schools take positive climate action with sustainable food waste to energy system MyGug
The Challenge
Schools in Cork are pioneering new green technologies and support sustainability education, enabling staff and students to make a positive impact. The new Climate Action and Sustainable Development Leaving Certificate subject will be introduced for more than 40 schools across Ireland in September 2025, with a focus on ‘meaningful action’ and ‘empowering students’. Climate Action and Sustainable Development education in schools requires practical, active learning tools.
The Solution
Positive climate action, sustainability, circularity, collaboration and learning:
MyGug for Schools is a small, compact digester that converts food waste to renewable energy and a valuable resource. MyGug is currently installed in four Cork schools: Kinsale Community School, Skibbereen Community School, St Brogan’s College in Bandon and Bandon Grammar School.
The green tech food waste to energy system is a proven and effective learning tool for Climate Action and Sustainability in schools. MyGug allows staff and students to take positive climate action, with infinite opportunities to learn, research and experiment. Teachers are provided with MyGug education packs which include sample lesson plans to maximise the potential of the system as a learning resource.
Fergal McCarthy, Principal, Kinsale Community School comments: “MyGug provides students with an appreciation of the circular economy. It provides them with an appreciation of three very important societal concerns, namely, waste disposal, energy use, and food production. Young people are overwhelmed by the climate crisis and are looking for practical measures that they can take to make a difference. MyGug provides students with a real application of science that makes a difference. Our MyGug is sited outside of the home economics room. All of the food waste is deposited in the unit and the gas produced is piped straight back into the kitchen for cooking purposes. The liquid fertiliser helps to grow our food crops in our greenhouse, which are in turn used in our home economics room. This practical application of waste management, resonates really well with those seeking to make a difference in the protection of the planet.”
Shane Dean, Chef in Bandon Grammar School, says: “It’s great that the science teachers can bring their classes over to see MyGug up close so they can learn about anaerobic digestion in action.”
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Key education and learning benefits:
Measurable learning outcomes
The MyGug for Schools unit can treat up to 5.5kg of food waste per day which generates renewable energy for up to 3 hours cooking per day.
MyGug’s small digester technology aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 7 (renewable energy), SDG 11 (sustainable communities and cities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and reduction) and SDG 13 (climate action).
MyGug is an Irish green tech food waste to energy system positioned to support CASD teaching and staff in schools with a practical learning tool that enables positive climate action, sustainability in practice and circularity.
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For further information on MyGug for Communities, please contact:
