Sustainable Ireland Special Report

Rowback is not a policy when clean tech is the only game in town

As geopolitical turmoil reshapes global priorities, climate action is taking a backseat. From corporate rollbacks to political U-turns, a once-urgent transition to clean energy faces fresh obstacles. But in a world increasingly dependent on fossil fuels, delays will only drive up costs—both economic and environmental.

Can older office buildings compete in a sustainable market?

With demand for sustainable office space rising and tenants willing to pay a premium, landlords face a choice: invest in costly retrofits or risk being left behind. But with funding challenges and split incentives, is upgrading older buildings financially viable?

Walking the walk: Irish shoe firms making strides in sustainability

Walking is the most sustainable mode of transport, and all you need is a good shoe; choose ones that incorporate sustainable materials and are built to last

Green building standards key to meeting sustainability benchmarks

And it’s not just the building where people work that can make a difference – businesses can support staff in ensuring how they get there is greener too

Preparing for new reporting requirements

More firms will come under the umbrella of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, with greater depth of reporting and verification required

How to draw up a decarbonisation roadmap for your business

Businesses need to set realistic yet impactful targets for decarbonisation, understanding the frameworks and taking a structured approach

Record clean energy investments give hope as Earth’s vital signs hit extremes

Renewables are on course to generate close to half of global electricity by 2030. Will it be enough?

Calling out greenwashing in the investment world

Retail investors are increasingly calling out disinformation and demanding more accurate and robust reporting and governance

Why can’t we just replace petrol and diesel with biofuel?

Some argue that e-fuels and biofuels are a waste of energy to produce, others say we should be investing in them

Planning system is where Ireland’s path to cycling gets clogged up

Cycling infrastructure is often promised but slowly delivered, with the brakes being applied at the planning stage

It’s a gas, gas, gas: Can bio-methane supplant natural gas in Ireland?

With much of our home heating infrastructure based around gas supply, we need an alternative to the fossil fuel version, and farm waste can supply it

Demand for green skills is outpacing supply. Upskilling has never been more attractive

As the transition to a carbon neutral economy drives demand for green skills, there are several ways to gain sustainability qualifications in Ireland

Electric buses: How Ireland’s fleet is faring on road to zero emissions

The journey to fully carbon-free bus services in Dublin by 2035 is well under way but there is plenty of work still to do

Water: Ireland faces fresh challenges in safeguarding precious resource

As extreme weather events pose more frequent threats, the quality, quantity and reliability of our water supply could be at risk

What gets measured gets done – how reporting requirements propel change

Reporting requirements and regulations are influencing the move by business – and society – towards sustainability

Retrofitting your home makes environmental and financial sense

With Government grants and the potential to sell electricity back to the grid, upfront investment in energy transition will yield long-term savings

Jobseekers are looking for high sustainability standards at work

Jobseekers with a conscience are seeking out employers that have integrated ESG principles into their business strategy

Technology advances are driving a solar revolution

With an estimated 65 homes per day installing solar PV, the uptake of renewables is placing downward pressure on the wholesale cost of electricity

Controversial carbon capture technology faces uphill route to commercial reality

‘Boondoggle’ or not, Ireland needs to talk about CCUS, including identifying technology providers and storage options, such as the Kinsale or Corrib gas fields

Re-turn sees can-do attitude applied to recycling single use plastics

The drinks container deposit return scheme launched earlier this year – how is it going so far?

Amid a backlash in the US, is there a future for ESG investing?

A loaded term in some quarters, clearer standards and even a rebrand may yet sustain ESG investment

Infrastructure, innovation and speed needed to hit renewables targets

Clean energy generation can only be scaled up fast enough with planning reform and investment, say business leaders

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