I am Stephen Sombi, from Kenya, a Fellow on the Ireland Fellows Programme for the academic year 2023-2024. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science degree in Architecture, Urbanism, and Climate Action at University College Dublin (UCD).

Prior to my fellowship, I was a Senior Technical Trainer at the State Department of Technical Education. In this role, my responsibilities included delivering specialised training in Building and Civil engineering courses, as well as mentoring aspiring professionals in the building industry with a focus on sustainability.

Realising that the construction industry has a significant impact on climate change, ranging from 37-40%, to global carbon dioxide emissions and considering the pressing imperative to achieve net-zero targets, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of decarbonising this sector becomes paramount. The compelling need for adept and informed professionals in sustainable architecture, equipped with the requisite knowledge and skill sets, has been the primary incentive propelling my enrolment in the Master of Science programme in Architecture, Urbanism, and Climate Action at University College Dublin.

The unique nature of this programme, which integrates Architecture within the context of a climate emergency, has already demonstrated its transformative impact on my educational path. I have actively engaged in the quantification of buildings' carbon foo tprint, including both Embodied Carbon and Operational Carbon. Additionally, my exploration has extended to the formulation of environmental policies, carbon management, and the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) in the planning and design of climate actions (Geodesign). As I advance in the programme, I am eager to participate in further opportunities and gain experiences that will contribute significantly to my professional development in this critical field. In summary, the programme has been exceptional.

The Ireland Fellows Programme has not only offered a tremendous opportunity to gain skills and knowledge, but also providing steadfast support, through captivating social events and periodic webinars on insightful topics. I would like to highlight the noteworthy skills that I have acquired throughout the master course. Specifically, I have gained proficiency in Upfront calculation, an important tool for assessing the Embodied Carbon of buildings. Additionally, I have explored the study of environmental economics policy developments and behavioural economics, utilising simplified frameworks such as Nudges to promote sustainability.

Adapting to the life in Ireland has been a positive experience, and the wealth of information shared by both the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) and the UCD international office has been immensely helpful in navigating and integrating seamlessly into this new environment. The distinctive contrast between Kenya and Ireland lies in their climate profiles, technological advancements, and transport systems: Kenya is characterized by a tropical climate while Irish weather varies with seasons.

Throughout the fellowship, I am committed to seizing this remarkable opportunity to acquire the essential skills and knowledge crucial for the advancement of my career as a sustainable architect. Additionally, I aim to leverage this experience to establish lasting connections for lifelong learning and for future opportunities. Moreover, the support and the regular events organised by ICOS creates a sense of a community where I can interact with other Fellows.

I highly recommend the Ireland Fellows Programme, not only to young Kenyans but also to individuals from eligible countries. This exceptional opportunity offers a pathway for academic growth and provides a valuable platform to acquire the necessary skill set needed to make meaningful contributions in various career professions. Embarking on this journey can be transformative, empowering participants to not only advance their knowledge and skills but also to become initiators for positive change in their home countries. The Ireland Fellows Programme is a prestigious initiative that provides opportunities for ambitious people from eligible countries to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies from diverse universities in Ireland.