Working together to achieve a sustainable, competitive future

The transition to a low carbon economy and achievement of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 across all sectors of the economy constitutes a whole-of-society challenge.

However, while businesses are aware of the need to make changes, some do not feel fully versed in how to make this happen — and this is where Enterprise Ireland comes in, as it offers a number of supports to assist Irish businesses on their sustainability journey.

“Regardless of what sector you are in, having a robust sustainability plan has become a critical part of any company’s growth strategy and businesses need to be able to show their customers and consumers that they are embracing the sustainability challenge if they want to win big in global markets,” says Alexa Toomey, department manager for sustainability, renewable energy and agritech at Enterprise Ireland. “In some sectors, having a strong sustainability plan in place is already essential; in others, it will help you to stand out.” 

So it is clear that sustainability is imperative as investors, partners, customers — and the future of the planet — depend on it.

Enterprise Ireland recently launched a new campaign to help build awareness across Irish businesses of the supports available to help them meet the costs of their decarbonisation journey.

Welcoming the new campaign, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney said: “Reducing carbon emissions and embedding sustainability is vital for the long-term future of all Irish businesses. I welcome the fact that the new Enterprise Ireland campaign focuses on the positives that embarking on a sustainability journey can bring to every Irish business. In terms of attracting and retaining talent, winning new customers, and being prepared for the opportunities of the new low-carbon economy, there are huge benefits for Irish business.” 

Enterprise Ireland’s Alexa Toomey added: “We are committed to helping firms of all sizes meet the costs of their decarbonisation journey and continue to embed sustainability into their future planning and strategy. We have a broad suite of practical measures to help small to medium-sized firms (SMEs) to develop and fund their sustainability plans and stay competitive in the market, including consultancy advice, capacity-building supports and financial grants for projects that reduce carbon emissions. Our colleagues in the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have a very similar offering for micro businesses — so our message is that we are here to help.

“Enterprise Ireland is also aware that making necessary changes may not be straightforward and is often costly, so it is keen to reassure businesses that they are not alone and help is at hand to assist companies in looking to review waste, increase the reuse of materials and minimise energy outflows.

“Businesses face so many costs today — so using inputs as efficiently as possible leads to gains on the cost side too,” said Toomey.

Joanne Sheahan, senior executive, sustainability, renewable energy and agtech with Enterprise Ireland, agrees and says while the transition to a low-carbon economy and greener future requires a whole-of-society approach, and is increasingly important for businesses in order to remain agile and competitive, it is important to remember that this is a journey.

“While most, if not all, entrepreneurs and managers are aware of their responsibilities and the need to decarbonise and make their business more sustainable, there are also increased expectations from stakeholders and customers around sustainability,” she said.

“The green transition journey will not happen overnight, but it is increasingly important for businesses to take those important first steps, and Enterprise Ireland is ready to work with the companies we support as they explore their sustainability options.” 

Sustainability Kickstarter Workshop 

As part of its commitment to supporting companies on this journey, it has developed the new Sustainability Kickstarter Workshop, which is free and open to companies which are supported by Enterprise Ireland or a Local Enterprise Office.

Delivered online over three hours, this workshop is suitable for companies from all sectors. It will not only give attendees an overview of the sustainability journey and where to start, but it has also been designed to enable each participant to leave with a straightforward action plan to help them progress towards having a sustainable business strategy.

After completing the Kickstarter Workshop, participants will be able to recognise the critical role that sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) play in the success and resilience of SMEs and articulate a clear link between sustainability and their company’s business strategy, identifying specific opportunities for improvement.

It will also help them to understand how to measure, monitor and report on ESG performance, initiate meaningful stakeholder engagement to support sustainability initiatives, and develop an action plan to integrate sustainability and ESG principles into their business operations and decision-making processes.

“There is also an increased focus on this legislatively, with some pieces on the way which will eventually mandate certain sustainability actions and commitments for all companies,” says Sheahan. “For example, the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive will require all large companies and listed SMEs to publish regular reports on their environmental and social impact activities from the start of 2026.” 

Toomey said the sustainability journey starts with a first step, and “simple changes can make a huge difference”.

“If you want to stay competitive, be ready to meet the sustainability demands of your customers and contribute to Ireland’s national effort to reduce emissions, Enterprise Ireland is here to help,” she said.

For information on the Enterprise Ireland supports available to put your sustainability plan in place and progress on your sustainability journey visit: enterprise-ireland.com/sustainability