In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about Chartered Accountants Ireland’s support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Week. Also covered are Government consultations on the development of a Social Climate Plan, a Circular Economy Strategy, Northern Ireland’s Department of Finance new guidance on environmental and climate impacts in programme project development, updates on renewable energy auctions and supports, and news from the UN General Assembly, along with the usual articles, resources and upcoming events.
Chartered Accountants Ireland
Chartered Accountants Ireland, in partnership with the Institute of Bankers (IOB), held a weeklong programme of team-focused activities this week to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals by participating in the UN’s Global Goals Week - an annual week of action, awareness, and accountability for the Sustainable Goals. The programme included recycling and energy webinars, a pop-up charity shop in aid of The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, a seminar on nature, risk and finance, and a networking and climate-focused event for our ACA Professionals to connect, reflect, and celebrate our shared commitment to sustainability.
IRELAND
United Nation’s Global Goals Week
The theme for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (‘UNGA 80’), which began this week in New York, is: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”, emphasising the importance of multilateralism in the negotiation of peace and towards building a shared future and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Key themes include gender equality, climate action, AI governance, and mental health. Ireland is marking 70 years of UN membership, and the UNGA is an “opportunity for Ireland to reaffirm its commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development”. On Friday 26 September Taoiseach Micheál Martin will deliver the National Statement to the United National Statement to the United Nations General Assembly.
Consultation launches on development of national Social Climate Plan
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has launched a consultation on the development of a national Social Climate Plan, which will set out measures to be co-financed from the EU Social Climate Fund, the first EU fund specifically designed to alleviate energy and transport poverty arising from the transition to clean mobility and a decarbonised built environment. The Plan aims to set out measures to address the impacts of this transition on vulnerable groups, including businesses. The consultation is open until October 23, 2025.
Circular economy funding announced and consultation launched
Applications have opened for the 2025 funding round of the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS). €650,000 funding is now available to support community groups, social enterprises, and SMEs driving circular economy innovation across Ireland. The CEIGS is designed to support innovative circular economy projects led by social enterprises, voluntary and community organisations, and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
Separately, a public consultation on Ireland's Second Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy has been launched, proposing a range of actions and associated targets across key sectors. Among the Strategy’s core objectives is ‘decoupling economic growth from resource use’. A report released this week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland state that Ireland needs to recycle an additional 400,000 tonnes of waste every year, with packaging-waste-generation increasing almost four times faster than recycling since 2016.
Potential tax revenue not collected due to jet kerosene excise exemption
Fossil fuel subsidies decreased to €4.7 billion in 2024 and petrol tax per tonne of carbon dioxide increased by 22 percent, according to the CSO statistical release on Fossil Fuel Subsidies 2024. The release also revealed that the revenue forgone, or the amount of potential tax revenue not collected, due to the excise exemption for jet kerosene (used in commercial aviation) was €720 million in 2024, representing an increase of 19 percent from 2023. The reduced excise rate on road diesel when compared to the petrol excise rate led to €370 million in forgone revenue in 2024. The carbon charge for consumers of petrol and road diesel both increased by 22 percent in 2024 to €274 and €207 per tonne of carbon dioxide emitted, respectively.
The provisional results of the fifth Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 5) auction have been announced, provisionally securing 1500 GWh which will power 357,000 homes. The announcement by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment points to solar PV’s “pivotal role in Ireland’s clean energy transition”, reinforcing its role as Ireland’s fastest growing renewable electricity source. It goes on to describe solar as “highly complementary to wind generation”, meaning this rapid growth of solar strengthens Ireland’s ability to generate clean electricity all year round, enhancing our security of supply and helping to stabilise electricity prices. Its role in delivering Irish energy independence and in providing long-term security of clean renewable electricity for Irish households was described as “Ireland’s energy insurance policy”, reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels, and consequent vulnerability to international energy markets. This is the fifth auction to occur between 2020 and 2025.
NORTHERN IRELAND/UK
Minister Andrew Muir reiterates crucial link between economic growth and environmental sustainability
Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has reiterated the crucial link between economic growth and environmental sustainability last week. Speaking at the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water Annual Symposium at Queen’s University Belfast, Minister Muir said “To ensure our economy grows sustainably, we need a healthy environment. We do not have a choice; we must address these interconnected challenges”. Minister Muir also emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration, commenting “Our climate and environmental challenges do not respect borders, and neither can our solutions - this is why the Co-Centre approach, looking at climate challenges on a North-South, East-West basis, is so vital.” This Co-Centre, co-funded by DAERA along with Research Ireland and the UK Research Institutes, addresses the three connected issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and declining water quality in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.
Final Scheme Design for renewable electricity price guarantee published
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has published the Final Scheme Design for a renewable electricity support scheme for Northern Ireland. The Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) aims to incentivise renewable electricity generation and position Northern Ireland as a competitive and attractive destination for investment. The scheme aims to deliver lower energy prices and help achieve the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 target of 80 percent renewable electricity consumption by 2030. The Department for the Economy will consult on the REPG Terms and Conditions later this year, providing stakeholders with a key opportunity to input into the contractual aspects of the scheme. The first auction is anticipated in early 2027.
Department of Finance issues guidance on environmental and climate impacts in programme project development
The Department of Finance has published guidance and related documents to help appraisers meet their responsibility to consider appropriately environmental and climate impacts in the development of all programme and project business cases. Documents include:
- ‘Incorporating Environmental and Climate Considerations into Business Cases’
- a ‘DoF Emissions Calculator Worked Example’ of a PV (solar panel) installation project, and
- templates for ‘Options Frameworks, with Green Solution’.
The announcement mentions a remaining need to consider other impacts formerly under the umbrella of “sustainable development”, such as equality, health, social inclusion and rural, as well as economic impacts in business cases. As this continues to be a rapidly evolving and wide-ranging area, the Department is advising users to regularly refer back to the DoF website for the latest version of these documents.
EUROPE
EU green lights Waste Framework Directive
The EU Parliament has given the final green light to the revised ‘Waste Framework Directive’ which will introduce new measures to prevent and reduce waste from food and textiles across the EU. The updated legislation will introduce binding food waste reduction targets, to be met at national level by 31 December 2030. Producers that make textiles available in the EU will have to cover the costs of their collection, sorting and recycling, through new producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to be set up by each member state, within 30 months of the Directive’s entry into force. The law will now be signed by both co-legislators, ahead of its publication in the EU Official Journal. EU countries will have 20 months following its entry into force to transpose the rules into national legislation.
WORLD
“A clean energy transition is happening, and it is here to stay”
This was the message of a joint letter, signed by nearly 20 world leaders this week as country representatives gathered in New York at the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting. The letter, “All hands on deck for the just and equitable energy transition” called on leaders and the private sector to unite in action to unlock a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all and was signed by leaders including Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency and others. The letter pointed to the acceleration of the global energy transition, with $2 trillion invested in clean energy in 2024—double that of fossil fuels. It referenced the persistent disparities persist between the developed and developing economies, which the newly launched Global Energy Transitions Forum aims to address these gaps by unlocking financing, scaling renewables, and supporting local initiatives.
Resources from Chartered Accountants Ireland
Sustainability-focused specialist qualifications
Chartered Accountants Ireland has launched its Autumn/Winter professional development programme offering, which includes the Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting (Starting 7 October).
Technical updates from Professional Accounting
(From Technical Roundup 19 September):
- IAASA has released a Thematic Desktop Examination on Sustainability-linked financing. The thematic examination looked at the annual reports of 17 equity issuers listed on the main market of Euronext Dublin.
- As the public consultation on the ESRS enters its final few days, EFRAG has prepared some informative videos and a factsheet on the proposed simplifications to the standards. The consultation remains open until 29 September.
- EFRAG are hosting a hybrid event on 6 October on the VSME standard entitled “The VSME Standard in Action: From the European Commission’s Recommendation to Digital Solutions.”
- Accountancy Europe has updated its CSRD Transposition Overview which monitors the CSRD transposition status across the EEA countries.
- The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) will be hosting episode 12 of their “Perspectives on sustainability disclosure” webinar series on 6th October.
- Accountancy Europe has published its September 2025 Sustainability Update.
Resources
A report in the Energy Research & Social Science journal has published offering a reimagining of government-supported initiatives to support SMEs to embed decarbonisation activity within everyday practices, in order to create enduring, meaningful progress towards net-zero.
Articles
- Non-financial reporting: how to consolidate or aggregate data (ICAEW – Insights)
- These 10 nature finance models could help deliver returns and impact – here’s how
( World Economic Forum)
- Failure to close climate action gap could cost us €26bn – imagine what that might achieve (Irish Times)
- Irish Government to ratify landmark UN high seas treaty - Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s first peatland strategy launched in ‘turning point’ for peatland conservation (Irish Times)
Events
Dublin Chamber, Sustainability Academy Workshops
This autumn, for the first time, all Sustainability Academy workshops will take place in person at Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2. Dublin Chamber is offering a special rate of €420 for those who register for the full series of five workshops (normally €495). This includes a free one-hour tailored advisory consultation with a sustainability expert from Goodbody Clearstream. Whether you're new to sustainability or looking to build on existing knowledge, this series provides a structured way to learn what matters and apply it in your role.
Venue: Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2
Chartered Accountants Ireland, Western Society SDG week Brigit's Garden tour
Sustainable Development Goals Week Ireland 2025 will unite communities and businesses in a nationwide effort to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. We will mark the week with an interactive and engaging tour of Brigit's Garden finishing with a Brigit’s cross making demonstration and of course a coffee. Brigit‘s Garden is regarded as one of the most picturesque gardens of Ireland, set in 11 acres of beautiful grounds with many features to explore and delight in.
In person, Saturday 27 September 2025 | 11:00am | Brigit's Garden, Roscahill, H91 CC90
Climate Cocktail Club, Climate Carnival
Blending business, innovation, finance, music, activism and science for bold brave leadership, this pioneering two-day event for changemakers aims to inspire, entertain and explore radical and creative solutions to drive planetary impact now.
In person, 29 – 30 September | Ballintubbert House, Ballintubbert House, Stradbally, Co. Laois, R14 E954.
International Society of Sustainability Professionals Webinar: Driving Sustainable Change: Integrating Change Management for Positive Outcomes
This webinar will delve into the critical role of change management in advancing sustainability initiatives. Participants will explore how effective change management strategies can lead to more impactful and lasting positive outcomes for both people and the planet. Through practical insights and real-world examples, this session aims to equip sustainability professionals with new knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change at multiple scales.
Virtual, Tuesday, 30 September, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EDT)
Trinity Business School, Signs of a Healthy Economy: Redefining Economic Value
In this lunchtime seminar, Mieke Siebers, Executive Director of the Foundation for Sustainable Development, explores the role of our economic systems and how we can rethink economic value in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. From scientific standards on ecosystem services to natural capital accounting, she will show how business and management can help build resilient, mission-driven economies fit for the 21st century.
In person (Trinity Business School) and virtual (Zoom), 30 September, 1-2pm
EFRAG, The VSME Standard in Action: From the European Commission’s Recommendation to Digital Solutions
EFRAG is running a hybrid VSME Outreach Event on 6 October 2025 at which the European Commission will present on its Recommendation, with reactions from policymakers, banks and SMEs. Attendees will discover the EFRAG VSME Ecosystem and digital tools and learn from practical SME experiences and case studies.
Virtual and in person, 6 October 2025, 10am-1pm CET
French Embassy, DCU Institute for Climate and Society, The legacy of the Paris Agreement
A discussion on the legacy of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, which was signed 10 years ago. Speakers include Benoît Faraco, France's climate ambassador, and Eamon Ryan, former Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications. The event is free and open to the public. Places are limited, so please register.
In person, October 8, 16:00-18:00, Europe House, Chatham Street, Dublin 2.
Diversity Mark, Diversity Mark Annual Summit 2025
This event will explore how diversity and inclusion can drive sustainable business growth, gathering over 300 business leaders, executives, and inclusion advocates for a full-day programme featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions. It aims to equip attendees with practical strategies to create more inclusive workplaces and foster meaningful change across sectors.
In person, 8 October 2025, Titanic Belfast
Accountancy Europe, Is the public sector sustainable?
Find out about the latest developments to promote sustainability reporting alongside financial reporting in the public sector, the specific challenges facing the public sector, what can be learnt from experience in the private sector.
Virtual, 8 October 2025, 14:30–16:00 CEST
Sustainability Centre
You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.
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