Sustainability Centre

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about the Hamburg Declaration to bolster energy security across Europe, Northern Ireland’s first annual progress report on its Environmental Improvement Plan and a report arguing that natural capital should be formally recognized as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) in the UK. Also covered is how renewables generated more power than fossil fuels in Europe in 2025, how corporate climate action momentum remains high globally, the ECB’s research into climate and nature risks, an OECD analysis of climate change mitigation policies, the new IPSAS standard for governments to account for tangible natural resources, and the latest articles, resources and upcoming events. IRELAND The Hamburg Declaration Ireland has signed a historic clean energy security pact – the ‘Hamburg Declaration of Energy Ministers’ – that aims to bolster energy security across Europe and the UK in an era of global instability. The deal – agreed at the Future of the North Seas Summit – sets out a commitment to a more regional approach to cross-border infrastructure planning, closer cooperation on the protection of offshore energy infrastructure, and the development of an Offshore Financing Framework to strengthen the business case for offshore wind in the North Seas. In the second half of this year, Ireland's EU Presidency will emphasise the need for accelerated deployment of renewable energy, particularly wind, solar and emerging offshore technologies, to deliver clean and affordable power for citizens and businesses. Increased renewable availability reduces exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy. Parliamentary Budget Office publishes paper on Global Carbon Taxes 2025 The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has published a new paper Global Carbon Taxes in 2025. Carbon pricing - through carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes (ETS) - is widely recognised as an effective tool for reducing emissions. The paper explains these two pricing mechanisms, outlines key design differences, and examines how they interact. The supporting note, Identifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions, aims to help readers understand emissions measurement methodologies and the challenges they present for carbon pricing policy. Calls for clear, consistent, and practical sustainable finance rules The Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) is calling for clear, consistent, and practical sustainable finance rules to enable banks to channel capital effectively and efficiently into green investments without excessive burdens or ambiguities; this, it says, requires greater harmonisation of sustainability rules across the various pieces of EU legislation. Other recommendations it makes for Ireland’s EU Presidency 2026 are in the areas of retail participation in capital markets while safeguarding investor protection, creating a more proportionate & simplified regulatory framework, creating a fair, open and innovative digital infrastructure and ensuring the effective delivery of housing. €500m climate transition equity fund launched Aon plc, a global professional services firm, has announced the launch of a new climate transition fund in Ireland, with Irish-based, global asset management company Irish Life Investment Managers Limited (‘ILIM’). The €500m Climate Transition Equity Fund aims to enable investors in Ireland to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The fund will tilt towards companies that are working to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to climate action, resource scarcity, healthy ecosystems and basic social needs. NORTHERN IRELAND/UK Northern Ireland’s first annual progress report on Environmental Improvement Plan The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published Northern Ireland’s first Annual Progress Report on the Environmental Improvement Plan. The report provides the first assessment of what has been achieved by the Department and across government since Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) was launched in September 2024. The report demonstrates progress across all six SEOs, while acknowledging the scale of the challenge and the need for accelerated action to meet a number of commitments, including a continued reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with 2023 emissions falling by 7.1% compared with 2022, bringing overall emissions to 31.5% below 1990 levels. Global ecosystem degradation and collapse threaten UK national security and prosperity A policy paper from the Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) has called for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural capital to be placed at the heart of the UK’s economic growth and national resilience strategy. The report, Natural Capital is Critical Infrastructure highlights that the UK’s economic success is fundamentally dependent on natural capital - the stocks of nature such as forests, rivers, biodiversity, land, and minerals - which provide essential ecosystem services vital for human well-being and economic stability, and argues that natural capital should be formally recognized as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). More recently, the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs published an assessment of how global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse could affect UK national security. With high analytical certainty, it states that global ecosystem degradation and collapse threaten UK national security and prosperity, with cascading risks likely to include geopolitical instability, economic insecurity, conflict, migration and increased inter-state competition for resources.  The assessment, which aims to support long-term resilience planning, highlights opportunities for innovation, green finance and global partnerships that can drive growth while safeguarding the ecosystems that underpin our collective security and prosperity. EUROPE Report identifies ‘new milestone’ for EU’s electricity transition European Electricity Review 2026, the report from the independent, UK-based non-profit energy think tank Ember, has found that the EU’s electricity transition reached a new milestone in 2025 with wind and solar generating more power than fossil fuels. Renewables provided nearly half of EU power, gas generation rose by 8 percent compared to 2024, which pushed the EU power sector’s gas import bill up to €32 billion, and coal power fell to a new historic low of 9.2 percent. Battery deployment accelerated significantly in 2025, with grid-scale projects announced across the EU. The report called for member states and governing institutions to prioritise implementing rules for clean flexibility, boosting electrification through clear policy signals and support, and improving energy security. Overheated and underprepared: Europeans' experience of living with climate change A new joint report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and Eurofound on implemented climate resilience measures – both at the household and local authority level has found that while most Europeans have already been directly affected by extreme weather and are highly concerned about future climate impacts, yet their preparedness remains limited. The report, which draws on data collected from over 27,000 respondents across EU-27 countries, will be launched on 4 February at a webinar: 'Overheated and underprepared: Europeans' experience of living with climate change'. Accountancy Europe Sustainability Update Accountancy Europe has published its January Sustainability Update with the following highlights: Commission announces members for the Platform on Sustainable Finance EU Deforestation Regulation postponed by one year ESMA outlines principles to follow to address greenwashing risks EFRAG shares first insights into VSME market acceptance (Also, see this Op-ed by Iryna de Smedt, Policy Manager Accountancy Europe: Omnibus won’t stop the climate clock: only sustainable businesses will compete tomorrow) WORLD CDP and SBTi 2025 figures show corporate climate action momentum building CDP – the environmental disclosure platform – has revealed its 2025 ‘A List’, the top performers among the companies disclosing sustainability information on the platform in 2025. Over 800 companies achieved the recognition this year, following a 70 percent year-on-year rise in companies achieving it across climate, forests and water security. According to the CDP’s press release, “the sustained global demand for high-quality environmental data from companies, cities, states and regions”, with markets continuing to signal the critical importance of reliable environmental information. 640 investors with US$127 trillion in assets called on companies to disclose through CDP while over 270 major buyers requested environmental data from approximately 45,000 suppliers via CDP’s Supply Chain program. Separately, the number of companies with science-based targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) globally has reached 10,000 worldwide, reflecting the growing scale of corporate climate action across sectors and regions. Headquartered across all continents and in more than 90 countries, the 10,000 companies represent more than 40 percent of global market capitalization and include many of the world’s leading businesses, spanning nearly every major sector, region, and company size. To be validated by SBTi Services—the SBTi’s validation arm—a company must set targets using the criteria laid out in the SBTi’s standards, tools, and guidance. Validation by SBTi Services confirms that a company’s targets are ambitious and aligned with SBTi-approved pathways to achieve net zero by 2050. ECB findings on higher borrowing costs for banks with higher exposure to transition risks and climate and nature plan 2024-2025 The European Central Bank (ECB) has published a paper which finds that banks with higher exposure to transition risk face significantly higher borrowing costs. The paper, Climate change, bank liquidity and systemic risk, examined the relevance of banks’ exposure to climate transition risk in the interbank lending market and identified this “transition premium” as “a combination of a risk premium, compensating lenders for increased credit risk, and an inconvenience premium”, reflecting the sustainability preferences of key dealer banks. It also found that the transition risk premium intensifies during periods of financial stress, indicating that climate-induced risks amplify existing vulnerabilities in financial markets. UN High Seas Treaty and AI for seafood supply chain companies Companies in seafood supply chains must now integrate treaty compliance and AI-enhanced traceability into sourcing strategies, after the United Nations High Seas Treaty became legally binding January 17. This landmark treaty aims to – among other things – strengthen the transparency and enforcement of marine biodiversity governance. The effectiveness of the measures will depend on the implementation of the Treaty, as enforcement gaps and inequalities in technology access could limit environmental outcomes. Analysing the international spillovers of climate change mitigation policies A new paper from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has analysed ‘international spillovers’ from domestic climate mitigation policies - specifically economic, technology, and policy spillovers - and their impacts on global emissions and economic outcomes. These effects can be positive - such as accelerating low-carbon technology diffusion or the implementation of mitigation policy adoption abroad - or negative - such as shifting emissions across countries, i.e., carbon leakage, and fragmenting international markets. Advancing a shared understanding of international spillovers is essential to the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA)’s objective of enhancing the global effectiveness of mitigation efforts. To this end, the report provides a typology of spillover effects and transmission channels, reviews tools available to analyse them, synthesises the existing evidence, and explores policy design and responses to manage spillovers. This framework forms the analytical foundation for the upcoming IFCMA work to deepen the evidence base and support more co-ordinated international climate action. New IPSAS Standard Helps Governments Account for Tangible Natural Resources Held for Conservation The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has issued a new standard to address the need for guidance on tangible natural resources held for conservation. IPSAS 51, Tangible Natural Resources Held for Conservation introduces new, public sector-specific accounting guidance on accounting for natural resources with physical substance, such as land, trees, and water, often held by governments to preserve or protect them. IPSAS 51 also highlights guidance in other standards that applies to natural resources that are held for other purposes. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Davos 2026: Special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada (World Economic Forum) (Video: 33mins) TECHNICAL ROUNDUP (From our colleagues in Professional Accounting on 23 January) The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a second thematic note on sustainability-related claims focusing on ESG strategies. This publication offers practical guidance for making sustainability claims ensuring clear, fair and not misleading sustainability-related claims are made by market participants and also addressing greenwashing risks in support of sustainable investments.   The European Central Bank (ECB) announced that it has advanced its climate and nature work based on the 2024-2025 plan embedding climate and nature-related risks into its core work.  RESOURCES Recording & slides - webinar on latest Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) landscape On 14 January 2026, the Ulster Society hosted a webinar on the latest Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) landscape, and the challenges and opportunities this brings for chartered accountants in business. Speakers from NIE Networks Ltd, Encirc, Graham Group and Firmus Energy discussed the growing responsibilities of finance professionals, the skills required to navigate ESG effectively, and how chartered accountants can add value in an increasingly sustainability-focused business environment. A recording of this webinar is available to view, for free and on demand, HERE Global natural capital accounting standard: Why it matters for finance professionals In this article from ICEAW find out about ISO 14054, the first global standard for natural capital accounting, which recognises the role that nature plays in sustaining business value. Digital and emerging technologies and human rights This new content from the United Nations Global Compact explains how digital and emerging technologies create both opportunities and significant human rights risks. It provides definitions, examples, and human‑rights considerations relevant for companies. Science-based targets e-learning collection The United Nations Global Compact is offering five new and enhanced e-learning modules developed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)—guiding companies through every step of target setting and preparing for validation. Each course features interactive content, real-world examples and knowledge checks to help companies build credible decarbonization strategies in their journey to science-based targets. Guide: Procurement: A Catalyst for Sustainable Growth and Resilience With 40 practical tools and frameworks, plus global case studies and company insights, this publication from the United Nations Global Compact equips organizations to embed sustainability across the procurement lifecycle. It highlights how collaboration between buyers and suppliers, including SMEs, is central to success, and it explores the shifting landscape of regulatory demands, business risks, and market opportunities, positioning procurement as a strategic lever for advancing ESG priorities and sustainable growth. ARTICLES Small businesses’ big impact on sustainability reporting (Accountancy Ireland) Preparing for the new rules in pay transparency (Accountancy Ireland) Climate action plan delayed for second year despite emissions cuts falling behind target (Irish Times) New Research Warns Physical Climate Risk Can Drive Default (David Carlin’s Digest: Your Guide to a Changing World) Financial institutions are underestimating climate risks, actuaries warn (Sustainable Views FT – subscription needed) Smart boards incorporate climate and nature into their core strategy(Sustainable Views FT – subscription needed) Modern slavery is increasing, so too are its regulatory and reputational risks (Sustainable Views FT – subscription needed) How AI is helping to bring nature into the boardroom (Reuters) How will the new duty on electric cars work? (ICAEW Insights)   EVENTS UN Global Compact Network UK Webinar Series, The Business Role in Systems Change, Feb/Mar 2026 Businesses are facing escalating risks as the world approaches critical tipping points. Corporate resilience now depends on the transformation of markets, supply chains, and business models needed to steer the system towards stability. There is also potential for positive tipping points - moments when small, well-directed actions accelerate large-scale transitions towards sustainability. Businesses hold a unique capacity to create and amplify these dynamics of change. In these webinars, leading scholars and experts will discuss tipping points, climate risk, and systems change, how to respond to emerging climate realities and apply breakthrough frameworks such as the Positive Tipping Points Toolkit and Doughnut Economics to unlock change at multiple scales.   Webinar sessions: Understanding Tipping Points Risks, Feb 26  | 14:00 Systems Thinking in Business and Climate, Mar 5  | 14:00 Triggering Positive Tipping Points, Mar 12 | 14:00 Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Green Public Procurement Training Join us on Wednesday the 4th of February for Half-day virtual workshop on Green Public Procurement as part of Sustainable Academy, sponsored by AIB. All companies now need to learn the green public procurement rules to bid and win new contracts with the public sector. Virtual, Wednesday 4 Feb 2026 | 9am - 12.30pm. Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, Starting Your Journey with Tools and Frameworks Second in the series, this webinar explores tools and frameworks that support decision-making for nature and biodiversity, including the Natural Capital Protocol and TNFD. Learn how these approaches help businesses identify relevant priorities and communicate outcomes effectively. Virtual, Thursday 12 February, 8:00am – 9: 00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm ICAEW, Putting nature on the balance sheet — Troubleshooting session Troubleshooting session to tackle common challenges on how to embed nature into the activities and processes of the finance function. Virtual, Wednesday, 18 February, 4 - 5pm CET Reuters Events, Practical Implications of the Omnibus A webinar hosted by Reuters Events in partnership with Professor Andreas Rasche, Associate Dean, Copenhagen Business School. The session will explore the practical implications of the EU Omnibus package and what these changes mean for organisations preparing their 2026 sustainability reporting strategy. Virtual | Thursday, 19 February 2026 | 10:00 am–11:00 am GMT / 11:00 am–12:00 pm CET Shift, EU Omnibus Webinar - Briefing for business on the revised CSDDD and performing due diligence This webinar will feature insights from the Shift team and leading businesses on practical, real‑world approaches to implementing due diligence aligned with good practice. The session will explore how due diligence requirements under the CSDDD and reporting obligations under the CSRD can be addressed in an integrated way, rather than treated as separate exercises. Companies in scope of the CSDDD or operating within their value chains are encouraged to attend. Virtual, Thursday, 26 February 2026 | 09:00 Shift, EU Omnibus Webinar - Briefing for business on the revised CSRD and reporting on sustainability issues The session will examine what recent changes to the CSRD and the ESRS mean in practice for how companies report on sustainability issues.  The webinar will feature insights from the Shift team, alongside leading businesses, on implementation approaches that reflect good practice, support companies in identifying and addressing key risks, and remain practical and workable in real-world contexts. The discussion will also explore how reporting obligations under the CSRD and due diligence requirements under the CSDDD should be considered together, rather than in isolation.  If your company is in scope of the CSRD, or part of the value chain of a company that is, we encourage you to join us. Virtual, 3 March 2026 | 15:00 Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, What Does ‘Good’ Look Like in Corporate Reporting? The final session in the Pentland Centre’s free webinar series for SMEs explores what effective reporting on nature and biodiversity looks like. Drawing on global examples, this webinar highlights best practices and practical approaches for integrating nature and biodiversity into corporate reporting. Virtual, Thursday 12 March 2026, 8:00am – 9:00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm   Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin from Chartered Accountants Ireland read about the ESG Network for Chartered Accountants, the new Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP), how renewable-energy-use has increased in Ireland, and how climate data shows Ireland facing extreme weather in the future. Also covered is Northern Ireland’s moves towards a circular economy, and how the Global Risks Report 2026 identifies uncertainty as the defining theme of global risks, as well as the latest articles, resources and upcoming events.   ESG Network for Chartered Accountants Are you a Chartered Accountant working in ESG/Sustainability or working on ESG-related projects?  Would you like an opportunity to engage with other Chartered Accountants working in this space to share insights, challenges and opportunities?  Chartered Accountants Ireland’s ESG Network allows members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting. Next meeting | 28 January 2026, 14.00-15.00 Guest speakers: Eva Sheehy, a Managing Director in CFGI’s Accounting Advisory practice and Dee Moran, Head of Professional Accounting in Chartered Accountants Ireland to discuss developments in sustainability reporting.  If you are a member and would like to join us, email sustainability@charteredaccountants.ie IRELAND Government publishes Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) The Government has published its Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP), laying the foundation for future investments in energy-intensive sectors in an effort to safeguard the energy security, affordability and the competitiveness of Irish enterprise. LEAP aims to facilitate future investment in energy intensive sectors, address existing barriers to energy intensive industrial developments and ensure continued alignment with Ireland’s green energy transition. The implementation of LEAP will provide for green energy parks co-locating energy intensive industrial development with the supply of renewable energy, by private developers. These will be informed by a forthcoming National Planning Statement and other government and regulatory policies Renewable energy use increases in Ireland Renewable energy accounted for 40.2 percent of electricity generated in Ireland in 2024, up from an average of 5.1 percent in 1990-1994. This is according to Environmental Indicators Ireland 2025 – Economy, Emissions and Energy figures released by the Central Statistics Office. The figures also show that environment taxes in Ireland amounted to €5.5 billion in 2024, up 10.8 percent on the 2023 figure of €4.9 billion. Environmental subsidies and similar transfers in Ireland were €1.8 billion in 2023, up from 14.7 percent from the 2022 figure of €1.6 billion. Fossil fuel subsidies (financial incentives provided by governments to oil, gas, and coal industries) were €4.9 billion in 2023, up 4.9 percent from €4.7 billion in 2022, and up 74.2 percent from the 2021 figure of €2.8 billion. Commenting on the release, Reamonn McKeever, CSO Statistician said it highlights that as Ireland’s economy and population grows, production of energy continues to increase to meet that demand. More of that energy is now sourced from renewable sources, which in turn drives lower emissions from energy production. That statistics also show that electric and hybrid cars made up 45.8% of new licenses. Ireland faces extreme weather Climate data from the EU’s Copernicus monitoring service has revealed that 2025 was Earth’s third hottest year on record. The Global Climate Highlights report noted an 11-year streak of temperatures above normal, with analysts warning that this trend will continue, worsening underlying climate conditions. The report notes that Europe was impacted throughout the year by a range of storms and precipitation events, from convective storms to named storms, often associated with flooding, and mentioned Storm Éowyn, which hit Ireland in January 2024 and led to an insurance industry estimated bill of over €301 million. NORTHERN IRELAND Moves towards circular economy in Northern Ireland The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is inviting responses to a public consultation on a new strategic approach to the management of resources and waste in Northern Ireland until 2031. Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy aims to move away from the linear model – of take, make, use and dispose – towards a circular approach of reduce, reuse, repair and recycle – leading by example in how to best manage natural resources and the benefits that can bring. The closing date for responses is 23:59 on 8 April 2026. Progress update on Northern Ireland’s Energy Strategy Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has published the Mid-Term Review of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Energy Strategy: The Path to Net Zero Energy. This strategy was published at the end of 2021, followed by the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. It sets out 2030 targets on a pathway to net zero energy by 2050, aiming to make energy secure, affordable and clean for current and future generations. The Review assesses progress against core targets, addresses delivery challenges, and proposes strengthened governance arrangements to ensure success in achieving the 2030 targets. Progress described includes: a 53 percent growth in the turnover of the region’s low-carbon and renewable energy economy since 2015 £72 million of ‘invest to save’ across 160 projects delivering annual energy savings of more than £10 million in the government estate and lowering emissions publication of the final scheme design for the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (support scheme). The Department has also produced a suite of updated energy evidence reports, and an interactive dashboard tracking progress against energy strategy targets and metrics. WORLD Uncertainty the defining theme of global risks, says Global Risks Report 2026 Uncertainty is the defining theme of the global risks outlook in 2026, according to the Global Risks Report 2026, which was published this week by the World Economic Forum. According to the report, which presents – among other things – survey insights from over 1,300 experts worldwide, a “contested multipolar landscape is emerging where confrontation is replacing collaboration, and trust – the currency of cooperation – is losing its value.”  Short-term concerns are heightened, the multilateral system is under pressure, economic risks are intensifying.     The report concludes its key findings section with a note of hope: “Yet, history reminds us that order can be rebuilt if nations choose strategic collaboration even amid competition. The future is not a single, fixed path but a range of possible trajectories, each dependent on the decisions we make today as a global community.” TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING UPDATE (From our colleagues in Professional Accounting on 9 January) The European Commission issued an update regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) operational procedures. Other documents have also been published to support businesses in scope of CBAM including: CBAM Compliance Essentials for Importers and Indirect Customs Representatives as from 1 January 2026 CBAM Quick Guide List of National Competent Authorities for CBAM The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has been appointed as the national competent authority in Ireland. CBAM becomes fully operational on 1 January 2026, marking the end of the two-year transitional phase (2023-2025). Following the release of the draft simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), EFRAG has published the following documents, which are aimed at supporting users of the standard: Basis for Conclusions Cost–benefit analysis Logs of amendments for the 12 standards and for Annex II (Aggregated acronyms and glossary of terms) Comparative table of texts (Set 1 / ED / Technical Advice) for the 12 standards and for Annex II (Aggregated acronyms and glossary of terms) Explanatory note on Article 29b and its Annex 🎙️The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has issued its Q1 Implementation Insights Podcast. This episode highlights some of the resources available to support companies applying the ISSB standards. The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) including EBA, EIOPA and ESMA published Joint Guidelines on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) stress testing. These Guidelines provide national insurance and banking supervisors with clear guidance on how to integrate ESG risks into supervisory stress tests, both when using established frameworks and when conducting complementary assessments of ESG risk impacts. The Joint Guidelines apply from 1 January 2027. ARTICLES Navigating the CSRD Omnibus: A pivotal moment in EU Sustainability Reporting – (BDO) Environmental regulators should help businesses meet rules, says watchdog (Sustainable Views – Subscription needed) Women command less than one-fifth of senior roles in Ireland’s financial sector (Irish Times) In the absence of urgency, only thing changing is our weather - Ireland not immune to destructive events causing havoc worldwide (Irish Times) ‘A long road ahead’: How Ireland’s plan to revive data centre growth is being received (Business Post – Subscription needed) EVENTS CAW Network USA — Beyond Accounting: Sustainability Reporting This online session explores the evolution of sustainability reporting as an essential component of modern accounting. Topics include: the shift from traditional financial statements to ESG-integrated disclosures; materiality principles (financial, impact, double, dynamic); stakeholder demands; risks like greenwashing; and practical steps to embed sustainability into strategy. Attendees will gain clarity on ESG frameworks, governance, assurance, and navigate an increasingly stringent regulatory landscape. Virtual | Tuesday, 27 January 2026 | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm EST Grant Thornton, From ambition to action: Decarbonisation in practice Join GT for an engaging and practical discussion focused on how organisations are navigating the realities of decarbonisation in Ireland today. Expert speakers will share real-world insights on operational delivery, policy pressures, infrastructure constraints and the trade-offs involved in moving from ambition to action. This session brings together leaders from logistics, energy and technology to explore what decarbonisation looks like in practice across different sectors, and what is genuinely driving progress. Speakers: Owen Keogh, Head of Sustainability, An Post; Richard Scannell, Head of Public Policy, AWS;  and Niall Hogan, Sustainability Leadership Plan Lead, ESB. Spaces are limited, so please register early to secure your place. In person, Grant Thornton 13-18 City Quay Dublin 2 D02 ED70 |Thursday, January 29 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | BDO Ireland & BDO UK — Top Sustainability Trends for 2026 – Webinar As organisations navigate climate change, evolving EU/UK policy, and ESG reporting demands, this online session brings together senior sustainability specialists to unpack regulatory shifts (CSRD, IFRS, sustainability reporting, CBAM, EUDR), strategic implications for business, and actionable priorities for 2026, finishing with a live Q&A. Virtual | Thursday, 29 January 2026 | 12:30 pm (GMT) | Online webinar Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Green Public Procurement Training Join us on Wednesday the 4th of February for Half-day virtual workshop on Green Public Procurement as part of Sustainable Academy, sponsored by AIB. All companies now need to learn the green public procurement rules to bid and win new contracts with the public sector. Virtual,  Wed 4th Feb 2026 | 9am - 12.30pm. Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, Starting Your Journey with Tools and Frameworks Second in the series, this webinar explores tools and frameworks that support decision-making for nature and biodiversity, including the Natural Capital Protocol and TNFD. Learn how these approaches help businesses identify relevant priorities and communicate outcomes effectively. Virtual, Thursday 12 February 2026, 8:00am – 9: 00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm ICAEW, Putting nature on the balance sheet — Troubleshooting session Troubleshooting session to tackle common challenges on how to embed nature into the activities and processes of the finance function. Virtual, Wednesday, 18 February, 2026, 4 - 5pm CET Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University, What Does ‘Good’ Look Like in Corporate Reporting? The final session in the Pentland Centre’s free webinar series for SMEs explores what effective reporting on nature and biodiversity looks like. Drawing on global examples, this webinar highlights best practices and practical approaches for integrating nature and biodiversity into corporate reporting. Virtual, Thursday 12 March 2026, 8:00am – 9:00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.