In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin, read about sustainability in the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society’s Published Accounts Awards. Also covered is the upcoming public consultation on new Responsible Business Compass, measures announced by the Government to support resilience, competitiveness and economic growth in the face of severe climate change impacts, the publication of the Northern Ireland (NI) Environmental Principles Policy Statement, the European Commission’s proposals to simplify transparency rules for sustainable financial products, and attempts at COP30 to deliver a global Mutirão. We also bring you the latest articles, resources, jobs and upcoming events.

Chartered Accountants Ireland

Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society’s Published Accounts Awards

Sustainability was the dominant theme of the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society’s Published Accounts Awards, which took place last week. Organisations placed increasing emphasis on sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), diversity and inclusion and brand storytelling. The standard, according to the judging panel, was reportedly among the strongest in recent years, with ESB winning the overall award on the theme ‘Empowering the Sustainable Energy Transition’, which focused on planet, place and people. Commenting, awards judge Anthony Raivellur described sustainability reporting as extending beyond disclosure to encompass about accountability, transparency and alignment with the Paris Agreement, as well as people, community and purpose.  

IRELAND

Public consultation on new Responsible Business Compass

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth has launched a public consultation on the new Responsible Business Compass. This is an online pilot tool designed to help Irish businesses, particularly SMEs, understand and comply with sustainability-related EU Regulations and Directives. Funded by the European Union’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI), the Compass consolidates nine key EU Regulations and Directives related to sustainability and responsible business practices. It aims to provide structured guidance on compliance obligations while connecting businesses to relevant supports offered by government departments and agencies. The project is being developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in cooperation with the European Commission, to deliver a comprehensive report and pilot tool for Irish enterprises. The public consultation is open for four weeks on the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment website. Feedback from stakeholders will inform the final development of the Compass ICT tool, which will later be made available via the departmental website and the National Enterprise Hub.

Appointment to the Climate Change Advisory Council - Call for expressions of interest

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for appointment as a member of the Climate Change Advisory Council, the independent advisory body tasked with assessing and advising on how Ireland can achieve the transition to a climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally sustainable and climate-neutral economy. There will be a total of eight vacancies, including the Chair, throughout 2026 with appointments of three or five years depending on the post. These appointments will assist the Council in its activities, including advising Ministers and Government on climate policy, conducting annual and periodic reviews of progress in furthering the achievement of the national climate objective as well as proposing carbon budgets to the Minister. For the full details of the roles and requirements please refer to the candidate information booklet which can be found at Call for Expression of Interest - Climate Change Advisory Council . The closing date for applications is 3.00pm on 5 December 2025.

Protecting Ireland’s communications networks from extreme weather

The Government has approved the publication of the Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Communication networks in line with the National Adaptation Framework, part of a suite of measures to ensure that Ireland’s telecommunication networks will be fit for future climate challenges. The updated plan sets out how the sector will strengthen the resilience of Ireland’s communication networks in the face of climate challenges, reflecting, among other things, a commitment to support businesses as Ireland transitions to a climate-resilient future and acknowledging that insufficient climate change adaptation measures and resilience undermine competitiveness and economic growth.

The plan was published on the same day the Government approved 13 Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) to support resilience, competitiveness and economic growth in the face of severe climate change impacts. Among these, the Biodiversity Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan mentions the important role that businesses and the private sector play in addressing biodiversity loss. It points to the establishment of the Business for Biodiversity Ireland Platform, which works across the private sector to promote education and awareness, and to support businesses driving nature-positive practices.

NORTHERN IRELAND/UK

Publication of Environmental Principles Policy Statement

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published the Northern Ireland (NI) Environmental Principles Policy Statement. The Statement aims to ensure that environmental considerations are central to policy development and delivery in all Government departments. It will guide policymakers to consistently consider environmental impacts, prevent damage, and find innovative opportunities to enhance the environment.  The Act includes provisions for embedding in domestic law in England and Northern Ireland five environmental principles:

1. the principle that environmental protection should be integrated into the making of policies;
2. the principle of preventative action to avert environmental damage;
3. the precautionary principle, so far as relating to the environment;
4. the principle that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source; and
5. the polluter pays principle.

 The Statement will be now laid before the Assembly for scrutiny.

EUROPE

Commission simplifies transparency rules for sustainable financial products

The European Commission has proposed a set of amendments to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), the EU’s transparency framework for financial products integrating environmental or social aims. The changes are designed to address current shortcomings, making the rules simpler, more efficient, better aligned with market realities, more retail-friendly and usable for companies. For FAQs see here.

Accountancy Europe Sustainability Update

Accountancy Europe has published its November Sustainability Update with the following highlights

• EP and Council adopt their position on 2040 climate target and signal EU commitment to climate neutrality
• Council’s conclusions on future policy priorities
• EU Member States call for delay and simplification of Deforestation Regulation
• ESMA final report on EU Green Bond Regulation Technical Standards
• IAASB publishes FAQs on ISSA 5000 relevance for CSRD assurance engagements

WORLD

COP30  –  Mutirão

COP30 – the 2025 global climate summit – is into its second week as delegates strive to deliver a global Mutirão, the proposal by the Brazilian presidency to unite humanity in a global mobilization against climate change. Running until 21 November in Belém, Brazil, the summit discusses the world’s action on tackling climate change.  You can check Chartered Accountants Ireland COP30 coverage and resources on its Sustainability Centre.

ARTICLES

• ICAEW boosts sustainability leadership with new hire (ICAEW)
• Where next for sustainability in business? (Briefly from Accountancy Ireland)
• The hidden financial cost of weakening EU due diligence rules - Ignoring supply chain risks is costing companies billions of euros  (FT Sustainable Views – Subscription needed)
• Alan Kirkpatrick, “Carbon Pricing Policies and Global Climate Change” 25 June 2025 1 Carbon Pricing Policies and Global Climate Change - Critical Perspectives (Second edition)
• What’s really holding women back at work? (Irish Times)

RESOURCES

• Compiled by Daniel Murray, the weekly Business Post - ESG Briefing on the latest ESG news is worth your time.
• The Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), in collaboration with the Irish Accounting and Finance Association (IAFA), recently hosted a webinar on CSRD Reporting and Assurance. The full webinar is available on IAASA’s YouTube channel.

Behind the Story: The real cost of Ireland's fossil fuels
Ireland is spending €1 million every hour on fossil fuels, energy expert Dr Paul Deane has told Behind the Story. It comes as a recent report from the Irish Academy of Engineering says Ireland needs to rebalance its energy policy. (RTÉ – 33 mins)

Events

Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Making Sustainability Part of the Customer Conversation
This half-day workshop focuses on how sustainability shapes customer expectations and how we can respond with clear, confident communication. It’s designed for those in customer-facing roles, including sales, marketing and client/relationship management who are responsible for how their organisation is seen and understood by clients and customers.
In person, 26 Nov, 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM, Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2 D02 F9O2

IBEC, Practical Ways to Support Neuro-Inclusive Workplaces
The BioPharmaChem Ireland D&I Forum, in conjunction with BioPharmaChem Skillnet, is hosting an online session focused on practical strategies to support neuro-inclusive workplaces. The webinar will feature Terry Gleeson (Specialisterne Ireland) sharing solutions to create inclusive environments for neurodivergent employees. Susan Costello (BioPharmaChem Skillnet) will highlight their award-winning Certificate in CPD in Neurodiversity in the Workplace programme, followed by Linda Mulholland (APC) discussing her experience completing the course and the learnings she applied in her own workplace.
Virtual, 26 November 11:00 - 12:00

Goodbody Clearstream, Cost & Opportunity of Transitioning to Net Zero
This interactive masterclass will feature a presentation by Goodbody Clearstream on the practical steps and costs of transitioning your business, followed by an interactive panel discussion on how decarbonisation strategies and actions drive business value. Come and hear how Uniphar, I-RES and AIB are transitioning their businesses for a low carbon economy.  
In person, location TBC (Dublin 4), 27 November, 14.00-15.00 (light lunch from 1pm – 2pm)

IBEC, Preparing for Severe Weather Events
Severe weather conditions can cause major disruption to roads, bus or train infrastructure and therefore, the operation of your business. In this webinar, Dr. Michael Gillen, Head of OSH Policy will review the key points to consider, practical steps and control measures you can put in place.
Virtual, 26 November 11:00 - 11:45

InterTradeIreland, Trade Series: Understanding ESG & Sustainability
This free webinar will help businesses understand ESG principles, sustainability strategies, and practical steps for compliance and growth. It will cover reporting requirements, risk management, and opportunities for SMEs. Gain practical insights into how ESG and sustainability practices can help your business remain competitive, compliant, and future-ready, as well as an overview of emerging ESG and Sustainability reporting requirements.
Online, Wednesday 26 November 2025, 11:00am–12:30pm

EY, Four Futures: Exploring Climate Scenarios
This immersive workshop invites people to step into the year 2055 and explore four distinct climate scenarios—Business As Usual, Transform, Constrain, and Collapse. Enhanced by the CCaSS team, this updated iteration incorporates the latest insights on climate impacts in Ireland. Participants will dive deeper into key drivers of climate change and examine how Business As Usual and Transform scenarios affect society, business, and the economy.
EY Offices, Harcourt Street, Dublin, , D02 YA40, Friday 28 November – Friday 5 December 2025

Dublin Chamber, The Sustainability Academy: Making It Work Inside Your Organisation
This half-day workshop is designed for people working behind the scenes — in finance, operations, HR and other internal roles, those who play a key part in shaping how their organisation runs day to day. It focuses on how sustainability can be built into internal systems and processes in a way that supports both people and performance.
In person, 4 Dec 9am - 1pm, Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2 D02 F9O2

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Event to Help Employers Apply Reasonable Adjustments
This in-person event will help employers create inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities by demonstrating how reasonable adjustments can and should be applied. Hear from employers A&O Shearman and Belfast City Council on effective approaches, and learn about support services and programmes from disability sector representatives and government departments.
Girdwood Community Hub, Belfast, Thursday 11 December 2025, 9:30am – 1:00pm | Cost: Free

Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business - Lancaster University,  SMEs - Learning about Nature and Biodiversity
This is the first in a series of three free webinars from the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business aimed at SMEs curious about nature and biodiversity links to business activity. This session provides a natural science introduction to ecosystems and explains how these aspects impact business operations, with examples from different sectors.
Virtual, Thursday 15 January 2026, 8:00am – 9:00am | 4.00pm – 5.00pm

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

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