Sustainability/ESG Bulletin, Friday 29 August, 2025

In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about a survey on the potential impacts of the US rollback of ESG regulations within Irish organisations, a landmark international investment in Ireland’s peatlands, the publication of Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap, and the suspension of activities by the Net-Zero Banking Alliance. Also covered is new research quantifying the health impact of fossil-fuel pollution, and warnings from UN agencies about rising heat stress risks for workers, as well as the usual articles, resources and upcoming events.

IRELAND

ESG momentum expected to accelerate despite regulatory shifts

A survey carried out by the Compliance Institute, Ireland’s professional body for compliance professionals has found that 71 percent of financial services organisations in Ireland believe that the US rollback of ESG regulations will impact compliance within Irish organisations to varying degrees. However, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute has reportedly stated that the broader trend toward tougher sustainability expectations will only accelerate. The survey, which gathered insights from approximately 110 compliance experts working in financial services firms nationwide, also found that while more than half expect the impact to be ‘moderate’, a further 20 percent it will be “significant” and are anticipating major shifts in compliance expectations.

Landmark international investment in Ireland’s peatland

In a what is being described as a landmark international investment in Ireland’s peatlands, global technology companies Meta, Microsoft, and Google have pledged more than €3 million to restore up to 450 hectares of degraded peatlands across Ireland. Peatlands, sometimes called Ireland’s ‘hidden giants’, store more carbon than all other vegetation types combined, filtering and regulating our water, and providing unique habitats for wildlife. When degraded, however, they become major emitters of greenhouse gases, making restoring them one of the most cost-effective ways to fight climate change while improving water quality and protecting biodiversity. The investment is backed by third-party verification under the Irish Peatland Standard, developed with the support of the European Investment Bank, NPWS, DAFM, DCEE, and partners across research and conservation. As well as providing long-term climate, water, and biodiversity benefits, the investment will also create additional benefits for local communities, including improved water quality and more resilient landscapes.

Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap publishes

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has published Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, as committed to under the Programme for Government. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) are ‘drop in fuels’, blended with Conventional Aviation Fuel, and are compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure. Their development and deployment will play a crucial role in helping Ireland reach its decarbonisation goals, and enable Ireland’s aviation industry to operate and develop in a sustainable manner. The Roadmap represents a first step in developing Ireland’s national SAF policy, identifying a number of actions which will be built upon in future iterations, and setting a path for future SAF policy development.

NORTHERN IRELAND/UK

Annual award for UN Sustainable Development Goals-aligned project opens

Businesses with a ready-to-scale project that can make a tangible impact in solving a major environmental challenge can now apply to the recently 2025 St Andrews Prize for the Environment. This annual award, which recognises outstanding projects addressing global environmental challenges, presents a significant opportunity for businesses committed to environmental sustainability to gain recognition and financial support to scale their impact. The winner will receive prize money of $95,000 (US dollars) and the runners-up will receive $20,000. Projects should align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and should provide opportunities for learning and inspiration – both by educating those working in the field and by motivating the next generation of environmental leaders. The closing date for entries is midday on Monday 15 September.

EUROPE

Landmark decision against greenwashing

In a landmark decision against greenwashing, a German court has reportedly ruled that Apple can no longer advertise its Apple Watch as a ‘CO2-neutral product’ in Germany. The court ruled that the company’s carbon offset project of planting eucalyptus trees in Paraguay is unreliable and ecologically flawed, and that the company had misled consumers. The ruling signals a stricter regulatory climate where unverifiable offset use becomes a direct legal and reputational liability.

WORLD

World’s largest climate coalition for banks pauses ongoing activities

The Net-Zero Banking Alliance, once the world’s largest climate coalition for banks, has paused its ongoing activities and proposed dissolving its current structure after losing members globally. Once backed by major banks committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, the group is now nearly absent in North America and declining in Japan, Australia, and Europe. Remaining members are being asked to vote on its future with the outcome of the vote to be shared at the end of September. Critics say the alliance failed to challenge banks’ fossil fuel-driven business models, although some commentators have stated that such alliances play a vital role in promoting financial stability in the face of climate risk, advancing good practices in green finance, and accelerating an orderly transition.

New research quantifies health impact of fossil-fuel pollution

New research carried out by University College London and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) has been the first to comprehensively quantify the health impacts of outdoor air pollution across all stages of the US oil and gas lifecycle, from extraction to end-use (cars, power plants), as well as to analyse the associated racial and ethnic disparities in exposure and health burden. In addition, the researchers found that 10,350 pre-term births and 216,000 new cases of childhood asthma per year were attributable to oil and gas air pollution, as well as 1,610 lifetime cancers across the US.

UN agencies warn of rising heat stress risks for workers worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have warned that extreme heat is fast becoming one of the biggest threats to workers’ health and livelihoods. Findings a report detailing how extreme heat is reshaping the world of work, include that worker productivity drops by 2 to 3 per cent for every degree above 20°C.  Commenting, Ko Barrett, WMO Deputy Secretary-General, said that “Occupational heat stress has become a global societal challenge, which is no longer confined to countries located close to the equator – as highlighted by the recent heatwave in Europe…Protection of workers from extreme heat is not just a health imperative but an economic necessity.”

Resources from Chartered Accountants Ireland

SMEs and Small/Medium Practices Sustainability Workshop (ROI/NI)

Chartered Accountants Ireland is delighted to announce it is once again running its sustainability workshop for small/medium enterprises (SMEs) and accounting practices.

This interactive half-day session will focus on positive actions you can take to make your business or practice more sustainable, and help your clients to do the same. Aimed at SME owner-managers and accountants in small/medium practices, and consultants, the webinar will cover sustainability basics, green public procurement, access to sustainable finance, how to make your business or practice more sustainable to save costs and respond to stakeholder demands, and grant funding available to SMEs.

The workshop will be delivered via Zoom on 12 September from 09.30- 12.30. Full details, including the booking page and CPD hours, are on the Chartered Accountants Ireland CPD calendar.

Sustainability-focused specialist qualifications

Chartered Accountants Ireland has launched its Autumn/Winter programme offering, which includes sustainability-focused Specialist Qualifications:

• Diploma in Sustainability Reporting (Starting 25 September)
• Diploma in Auditing and Assuring Sustainability Reporting (Starting 25 September)
• Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting (Starting 7 October)

Did you know?

There has been an energy revolution in Pakistan with a significant upsurge in people installing solar panels, with solar imports reportedly tripling in 2024. The boom has reportedly resulted partly from an overabundance of solar panels availablefrom China, which has been increasing its production of solar technology, and, according to climate activist Bill McKibben, “a cascade of TikTok videos with … all of DIY pioneers showing how to hook the gear together”.  Separately experiments put solar panels between train tracks are underway in India, where the solar industry is forecast to become second in size only to China’s by the mid-2030s. In the UK, solar power generation in Britain has already surpassed the total for 2024 according to the Financial Times which has reported that more than 14 terawatt hours of electricity have been produced as of 16 August.

Irish-owned firms trailing ISEQ20 gender balance, B4BB report finds (Irish Examiner)

City AM: Female CFOs generate greater returns for investors (City AM)

Central Bank ‘determined’ to back climate action even as EU watchdog hits brake on ESG rules (Business Post)

Over 11,000 companies set science-based climate targets (Sustainable Views  - Sub needed)

EU wildfires worst on record as burning season continues (The Guardian)

Don’t let Donald Trump undermine your faith in the climate fight (The Guardian)

From Kyiv to the Suwałki Gap, bogs return as Europe’s defensive shield - Restoring the EU’s drained bogs would stop both Russian tanks and planet-warming pollution (Politico.ie)

California disclosure law will serve as a catalyst for corporate reflection and action (Sustainable views – sub needed)

Temperature Neutrality vs. Climate Neutrality: Unravelling the Academic Debate In Ireland  (All Ireland Sustainability)

Global plastics treaty talks collapse, and other nature and climate news (World Economic Forum)

Events

Business in the Community, Accredited carbon literacy training

This Accredited Carbon Literacy Training session event is hosted by Business in the Community Northern Ireland, and aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and act on climate change, helping organizations reduce their carbon footprint. The training is certified and designed to support sustainability leadership across sectors. 
In person, Wednesday, 3 September 9:00 - 17:00, Craigavon Civic Centre, 66 Lakeview Rd, Craigavon BT64 1AL

ICAEW, Sustainability in Practice
A morning of expert-led discussion, practical exercises, and peer learning—all focused on helping you build and deliver impactful sustainability services.
In person, 3 September, 8.30-12.00, Chartered Accountant Hall, Moorgate Place, London, EC2R6EA

UN Global Compact Network, EU Sustainability Navigator Session 3 - Business Action Amid Uncertainty: EU Sustainability Insights
During this session, sustainability experts will explore the latest EU policy shifts — clarifying common misinterpretations, outlining ways to ensure corporate action, impact and ambition remain high, and placing these debates within the wider global sustainability landscape. Join us to hear the latest on ongoing negotiations, to explore how EU sustainability policy discussions align with and respond to wider global political and economic shifts and how companies can lead, engage, and stay ahead in a fast-evolving policy landscape.
Virtual, Thursday 4 September at 15:00

UN Global Compact, UN Women, Women's Empowerment Principles 101
Hosted by the UN Global Compact and in collaboration with UN Women, this webinar will provide an overview of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and how the WEPs provide a strong framework for companies to advance gender equality in the workplace, marketplace and community. Speakers will also provide practical guidance for implementation and insights into the benefits of advancing gender equality in business practices. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts and learn best practices to support women’s empowerment initiatives within their organizations.
Virtual, Wednesday 10 September at 14.00

Carbon Tracker, Awaiting Take-Off: Why Aviation’s Net Zero Plan Still Doesn’t Fly
Despite growing adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), the sector remains off-track for Paris alignment—under-investing in zero-emission aircraft (ZEA) and relying on technologies with questionable scalability. Hear from leading voices in policy, finance, and industry, including* Lord Deben, ZeroAvia, Columbia Threadneedle, and Systemiq.
Virtual, Friday 12 September at 14.00-15.00

UN Global Compact (Swiss Network) Managing Risks in Supply Chains: Does High Quality Equal Compliance? The case of surgical goods made by children
This is the third and last session of our three-part webinar series on 'Managing Risks in Supply Chains: A Series for Data-Driven Action'. This last session focuses on the case of surgical goods made by children. Are high-quality goods more likely to be produced in high-quality facilities? The value chain of surgical instruments proves otherwise. Children can be found grinding "Made in Germany" scalpels in informal sector workshops in Pakistan. Worse, this situation has been repeatedly exposed over three decades. What can companies learn from this case and how can public and private procurement and sourcing professionals avoid similar risks? 
Webinar, 18 September 2025 | 12:30-14:00

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

Sustainability 101 – ESG in Practice, Thursday 25 September, 9am-1pm

Environmental Strategy Bootcamp – Carbon Footprint & Decarbonisation, Wednesday 8 October, 9am -1pm

Strategic Sustainability Leadership, Wednesday 5 November, 9am -1pm

Sustainable Business Practices – Strengthening Customer Connections, Wednesday 26 November, Time: 9am -1pm

Internal Sustainability Integration – Building a Sustainable Workplace Culture, Thursday 4 December, Time: 9am -1pm

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 Sept | Ballintubbert House, Ballintubbert House, Stradbally, Co. Laois, R14 E954.

Sustainability Centre

You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.