Climate change is reshaping the global business landscape, posing significant challenges while also creating new opportunities for companies ready to adapt. For businesses in Ireland, sustainability is no longer optional—it is essential.
Maria Kelly, Director of the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, which supports Irish companies in adopting sustainable practices, emphasizes the importance of proactive change. “The business risks associated with not taking action are increasing rapidly and far outweigh the cost of change,” she said. To help companies start their sustainability journey in 2025, Ms. Kelly shared five key tips:
1. Develop a Sustainability Action Plan
Every business should create a sustainability action plan that outlines baselines, targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs). This plan allows companies to track progress and maintain transparency. “Equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge to develop an action plan is a key focus of our Sustainability Leaders Programme,” Ms. Kelly noted. The programme aligns with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
2. Prioritize Training and Development
Ongoing training ensures that leadership teams and employees have the skills needed to implement sustainable practices. Ms. Kelly highlighted that skills gaps often hinder climate goals. “Understanding and addressing these skills gaps enables companies to transition meaningfully and prepare for future challenges,” she explained.
3. Align Business Models with Sustainability Goals
For sustainability to succeed, it must be integrated into the core of business operations. This involves aligning business models and strategies with sustainability objectives. “This is achieved when sustainability is both a top-down and bottom-up priority, embedded in daily practices and decisions,” said Ms. Kelly.
4. Measure Scope 1 and 2 Emissions
Businesses should establish a baseline for Scope 1 (direct emissions) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy) emissions. Once these are measured, companies can collaborate with suppliers to address Scope 3 emissions. Beyond emissions, Ms. Kelly stressed the importance of understanding environmental impacts on water, biodiversity, resource use, and pollution. “Achieving net zero will be of little benefit if natural ecosystems collapse,” she warned.
5. Report on Progress
Regular progress reports help businesses share their achievements and challenges, inspiring others to take action. The Climate Ready Academy offers sustainability programs funded by Skillnet Ireland and delivered by 20FIFTY Partners, which are free for eligible businesses. “These programmes go beyond emissions reduction and offer a holistic approach aligned with planetary boundaries and CSRD requirements,” said Ms. Kelly.
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, introduced last year, mandates that large companies and listed SMEs report on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, including impacts within their supply chains. “This new regulation presents both a challenge and an opportunity, requiring businesses to integrate sustainability into their core values and strategies,” Ms. Kelly concluded.
As Ireland works to meet national climate goals, the growing demand for sustainability programs reflects a shift toward building climate resilience. “These businesses play a fundamental role in strengthening our economy against the shocks of climate change,” said Ms. Kelly, adding that Ireland must continue accelerating its sustainability efforts to keep pace with other European countries.
