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The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) are seeking the views of stakeholders and interested parties on the member state options contained within the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Views are being sought via DETE's ongoing public consultation which is open until Thursday 9 March 2023. You can read more about the CSRD in our recent news item. Chartered Accountants Ireland will be issuing a response to this consultation and we are seeking your views in relation to this. If you would like to submit your views on this please do so via our CSRD contact email.

In this week’s public policy bulletin, we examine the rise in consumer prices recorded by the CSO together with the latest statistics on the Irish rental market. We also take a look at the recommendations to Government made by the National Economic and Social Council on the potential for improving the tax treatment of landlords. In addition, we review the latest labour market statistics for Northern Ireland as well as taking a look at the European Commission’s 2023 Winter Economic Forecast. Consumer prices rose by 7.8 percent over the 12 months to January 2023 According to the CSO’s latest Consumer Price Index released this week, prices for consumer goods and services in January 2023 increased by 7.8 percent on average when compared with January 2022. However this was down from 8.2 percent recorded in the 12 months to December 2022. While prices have been rising on an annual basis since April 2021 (with annual inflation of 5 percent or more recorded in each month since October 2021) this is the third straight month where the annual rate of inflation has fallen. The most significant increases in the year were seen in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels while price decreases were recorded in education. You can read the full statistical release here. Rents increased 13.7 percent nationwide during 2022 Rents nationwide have increased by 13.7 percent in the past year according to findings produced in the latest Daft.ie Rental Price Report to Quarter 4 2022. In what the report labels a “grim” rental market starved by a lack of supply, the total number of rental properties available in Ireland stood at below 1,100 as of 1 February. This is down 22 percent on the same date last year and represents approximately one quarter of the average level of availability seen during 2015 to 2019. At €1,733 per month, the average rent at the end of last year was 126 percent higher than the low point of €765 recorded in late 2011. The full report may be accessed here. National Economic and Social Council (NESC) advises reform of the tax treatment of landlords This week the NESC published a report into the private rental sector in which it argued that there may be a case for providing ‘a more favourable tax treatment for landlords’ to tackle the current shortage of supply in the market. Noting that ‘a targeted response beyond seeking to increase total supply of all kinds of housing’ is required to address current rental property shortages, the report suggests that any new tax measures could be linked to an improved security of tenure for tenants. Moreover, the report recommends that efforts to bring vacant properties back into use should be 'stepped up' and offers the best way to alleviate the rental crisis in the short term. Latest Northern Ireland labour market statistics released The latest labour market statistics release for Northern Ireland showed that payrolled employee numbers and earnings have both increased over the past year. The number of employees receiving pay through HMRC PAYE in NI in January 2023 was 785,400, a 0.1 percent increase over the month and a 2.0 percent increase over the year. Earnings from HMRC PAYE indicated that NI employees had a median monthly pay of £2,012 in January 2023, an increase of £4 (0.2 percent) over the month and an increase of £76 (3.9 percent) over the year. Meanwhile, the claimant count rate remained unchanged for the ninth consecutive month with the seasonally adjusted number of people on the claimant count standing at 35,900 (3.8 percent of the workforce) as of January 2023. EU economy set to avoid recession according to Winter 2023 Economic Forecast According to the European Commission’s Winter Economic Forecast released this week, the bloc will ‘narrowly avoid the technical recession that was anticipated at the turn of the year’. Noting how despite exceptional adverse shocks, the EU economy avoided the fourth-quarter contraction projected in its previous Autumn Forecast, the Commission’s current projections have now lifted the growth outlook for this year to 0.8 percent in the EU and 0.9 percent in the euro area. Moreover, the forecast also slightly lowers the projections for inflation in the EU for both 2023 and 2024 with inflation now expected to fall to 6.4 percent in 2023 (down from 9.2 percent in 2022) and to 2.8 percent in 2024. In the euro area, it is projected to decelerate from 8.4 percent in 2022 to 5.6 percent in 2023 and to 2.5 percent in 2024.

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG bulletin, read about the cost of compliance with 2030 climate and energy targets; how €16 million has been approved for climate change adaptation/resilience works for Ireland’s regional and local roads; a decrease in Northern Ireland’s carbon emissions from 1990; and the publication by the Northern Ireland Equality Commission of new guidance on employment equality monitoring. Also covered is the European Commission’s proposed emissions-reductions targets for new city buses and trucks, as well as the usual articles, podcasts and upcoming events. Estimating potential cost of compliance with 2030 climate and energy targets The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have published high-level summaries estimating the potential cost of compliance with Ireland’s EU climate targets. The paper presents the potential Exchequer implications should Ireland fail to make sufficient progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the importance of implementing the measures in the Climate Action Plan 2023. The paper is part of a series of Spending Review papers to be conducted by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications as part of the 2023 Spending Review Process. €16 million approved for climate change adaptation/resilience works for Ireland’s regional and local roads €16 million has been approved for climate change adaptation/resilience works. The investment is part of a €626 million investment programme for 2023 for regional and local roads announced by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, T.D., and Minister of State, Jack Chambers, T.D. Drainage works, bridge rehabilitation and safety improvement works are also features of the 2023 investment programme. Decrease in Northern Ireland’s carbon emissions from 1990 Statistics recently published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on Northern Ireland greenhouse gas projections show a 24 percent decrease in ‘carbon dioxide equivalents’ emitted compared to 1990. The statistics are based on 2020 greenhouse gas inventory statistics. The latest projection is that greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland will reduce by 34 percent between 1990 and 2031. Northern Ireland Equality Commission publishes guidance on employment equality monitoring The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has published new guidance to help employers promote equality of opportunity and diversity through effective employment monitoring. A Guide to Employment Equality Monitoring explains what employers should consider and offers practical suggestions and sample questions. Commission proposes 2030 zero-emissions target for new city buses and 90 percent emissions reductions for new trucks by 2040 The European Commission has proposed CO2 emissions targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) from 2030 onwards. The proposal is for phasing in stronger CO2 emissions standards for almost all new HDVs with certified CO2 emissions, compared to 2019 levels: 45 percent emissions reductions from 2030; 65 percent emission reductions from 2035; 90 percent emissions reduction from 2040. The Commission also proposes to make all new city buses zero-emission as of 2030 to stimulate faster deployment of zero-emission buses in cities. CSRD, Sustainability and Small to Medium Sized Practices Watch back: Chartered Accountants Ireland Practice News update on 10 February where Institute’s Professional Accountancy Lead Dee Moran and Sustainability Officer Susan Rossney talk about what sustainability and in particular the new corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive means for accountants. Articles Renewables will be world’s top electricity source within three years, IEA data reveals (Carbon Brief) Nature’s Air-Conditioning Greening Pearse Street (Dublin Chamber of Commerce) RTE flags new direction on climate/environment coverage...marking the end of Eco Eye, which has a remarkable legacy after 21 years (RTE) Shell directors personally sued over ‘flawed’ climate strategy (The Guardian) Podcast A good summary of the past week’s climate-related development (The Climate Alarm Clock) Competition  Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) is now accepting applications for the A4S Academy 2023. The 18-month programme will begin at the end of June 2023, with applications closing on 31st March. More details, includingprogramme outline, eligibility and fees are on the A4S website or by email. Events How SMEs business can save energy and money (SEAI) 22 February, 09:00 – 13:00 Resource Matching Workshop – Northern Ireland (Invest NI) 22 February, 09:00 – 13:00 National Sustainability Summit (Premier Publishing) 23 February 23 09:00 - 16:00 Demystifying Sustainability & ESG Reporting Webinar (Clearstream Solutions) 24 February, 12:00 – 13:00 Leinster Society -  Business Lunch with Sonya Lennon - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in today’s business world.  2 March, 12:30 - 16:30 Return on Sustainability Investment Webinar (Clearstream Solutions) 31 March, 12:00 – 13:00 Jobs Financial/Reporting Accountant for major energy provider in Ireland’s Energy/Sustainability/Renewables sector. Newly qualified ACAs can contact Dave Riordan, Careers Team, Chartered Accountants. Network for Chartered Accountants working on ESG projects Are you a Chartered Accountant working in ESG 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 Accountant now has a network to allow members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting. 3rd Wednesday of every month Next : 22 February, 2023 14.00-15.00/30 Chartered Accountant House/Teams If you would like to attend please email sustainability@charteredaccountants.ie 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 public policy bulletin, we review a report on the current state of the residential rental market as well as the findings from the latest Personal Loans Report issued by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland. In addition, we take a look at the Government’s transfer of further Exchequer revenues into the National Reserve Fund, the launch of a government consultation on cryptoasset regulation in the UK, and the latest statistical report on real household income from the OECD. Up to 21,000 property transactions linked to landlords exiting rental market in past year According to a new report from Sherry Fitzgerald, approximately 21,000 property transactions last year involved investors exiting the rental market. Publishing the findings of its latest Residential Market Review, the estate agent outlined how for every investor entering the rental sector during 2022, another three investors left. The report sets out how this trend is having a perilous impact in terms of rental supply, and “without significant Government intervention we can expect to see even lower stock levels in the rental market in the year ahead”. You can access the full report here. €1.6 billion in personal loan drawdowns made in 2022 The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) this week published its Personal Loans Report for Quarter 4 2022 which showed a total of €1.6 billion in personal loan drawdowns having been made in Ireland during 2022. This figure marks an almost 19 percent increase on the previous year and the highest figure since the data series began in 2020. In terms of loan types, some €126 million was drawn down in home improvement loans in Q4 2022, 8.7 percent more than in the same period of 2021. The value of personal loan drawdowns for car or auto finance rose by 18 percent year on year to €126 million while the value of loans for other purposes which includes loans for education, holidays and weddings increased by 16.8 percent year on year to €142 million.  Government transfers €4 billion to National Reserve Fund Following a decision made as part of Budget 2023 last September, the Government this week announced the transfer of €4 billion of Exchequer funds into the National Reserve Fund. The move follows the transfer of €2 billion last year and brings to €6 billion the total amount of cash now sitting in the so-called rainy-day fund. The approach of capitalising the reserve fund is endorsed by the Department of Finance in its analysis entitled “De-Risking the Public Finances – Assessing Corporation Tax Receipts” published in September 2022. It is also supported by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and all other institutions that provide economic advice to Government. Launch of government crypto-asset consultation The UK government has this week launched a consultation paper on its proposals to regulate cryptoassets.  According to the paper, the proposals seek to deliver on the ambition to place the UK’s financial services sector at the forefront of cryptoasset technology whilst managing potential consumer and stability risks. The government’s proposals intend to include the regulation of cryptoassets within the overall regulatory framework established by the UK’s Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) thereby “taking advantage of the confidence, credibility and regulatory clarity” that this existing system affords. Stakeholders are invited to submit responses to the consultation before the process closes at 9am on 30 April. Real household income increased for first time since 2021 across OECD Real household income per capita grew by 0.2 percent in the OECD in the third quarter of 2022, the first rise in real household income since the first quarter of 2021. However, household income results were mixed on a country-by-country basis according to the latest OECD Growth and Economic Wellbeing Report. Of the 21 countries for which data is available, nine recorded an increase in real household income per capita whilst twelve recorded a fall. Austria had the largest increase (10.1 percent) as payments associated with the government’s environmental tax reform and cost-of-living assistance boosted household incomes. Of the G7 economies for which estimates are available, France, Germany and Italy all recorded growth in the third quarter of 2022, with France seeing the highest increase at 0.8 percent. By contrast, real household income per capita fell in Canada and the United Kingdom and was flat in the United States.

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG bulletin, read about the funding announced for Irish local authorities to support community climate action, the Irish Strategic Investment Fund’s announcement of new funding commitments for climate action projects, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s allocation of €10.7 million to climate-related research projects. Also covered is the EU’s proposed new Green Industrial Plan, as well as the usual articles, podcasts and upcoming events. Funding announced for community climate  Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, T.D., has announced funding of €24 million for Local Authorities to support and build low-carbon communities across the country. A further €3 million is being provided to support cross-border and all-island community climate action initiatives. Commenting about the funding, Minster Ryan describe it as “part of how the government is working in practical ways with all communities on the island for a sustainable, shared future.” ISIF announces new funding commitment for climate action projects The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) has announced an €18 million commitment to San Francisco-based Activate Capital Partners. This investment firm targets late-stage venture and growth equity investments in businesses that are enabling the global energy transition. The commitment aligns with ISIF’s previously announced planned programme to invest €1 billion over five years in climate action projects that will target investments in energy efficiency, energy storage, renewables and better use of resources. Since announcing its €1bn programme at the end of September 2022 ISIF has closed €229 million of climate investments. EPA awards €10.7 million to climate-crisis research projects Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently awarded €10.7 million to research projects tackling the climate crisis. Ten of the projects are focusing on facilitating a green and circular economy. A total of 42 projects have been selected under the EPA Research Programme, a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The EPA 2030 Research Strategy focuses on four thematic areas: addressing climate change evidence needs; facilitating a green and circular economy. Reporting for a new regime (Accountancy Ireland) Companies in Ireland cannot afford to ignore the impact of emerging environment, social and governance (ESG) requirements on their annual reports and financial statements. In this article in the February 2023 issue of Accountancy Ireland, PWC’s Fiona Hackett and Emer Fitzpatrick describe the unprecedented year that 2022 was for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. New EU Green Deal Industrial Plan The European Commission has presented a Green Deal Industrial Plan to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and support the fast transition to climate neutrality. The Plan aims to provide a more supportive environment for the scaling up of the EU’s manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies and products required to meet Europe's climate targets. The plan is based on four pillars: a predictable and simplified regulatory environment, speeding up access to finance enhancing skills, and open trade for resilient supply chains. The Plan is in response to invitations by the European Council for the Commission to make proposals by the end of January 2023 to mobilise all relevant national and EU tools and improve framework conditions for investment, with a view to ensuring EU's resilience and competitiveness. Articles Why Professional Accountants will Save the World (Malaysian Institute of Accountants) Guest post: How can nature-based solutions help cities achieve their climate goals? (Carbon Brief) EU prepares response to new US green subsidy plan (RTÉ News) Ireland’s climate strategy remains to kick the can down the road (The Irish Times) Nature’s Air-Conditioning – Greening Pearse Street (Dublin Chamber of Commerce) Podcast Dearbhla Stapleton, Programme Manager for Business and Industry at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) talks about the pressing challenges facing businesses and SMEs at this time, with rising energy costs hampering the viability of operating for many businesses, along with initiatives promoting carbon-neutrality becoming more and more imperative during the climate crisis. Listen here (20 mins) Competition  Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) is now accepting applications for the A4S Academy 2023. The 18-month programme will begin at the end of June 2023, with applications closing on 31st March. More details, includingprogramme outline, eligibility and fees are on the A4S website or by email. Events Practical Steps for Reducing Energy Consumption webinar – Northern Ireland (Invest NI) 13 February, 10:30 to 11:30am How SMEs business can save energy and money (SEAI) 22 February, 09:00 – 13:00 Resource Matching Workshop – Northern Ireland(Invest NI) 22 February, 09:00 – 13:00 National Sustainability Summit (Premier Publishing) 23 February 23 09:00 - 16:00 Demystifying Sustainability & ESG Reporting Webinar (Clearstream Solutions) 24 February 24, 12:00 – 13:00 Return on Sustainability Investment Webinar (Clearstream Solutions) 31 March 12:00 – 13:00 Jobs Financial/Reporting Accountant for major energy provider in Ireland’s Energy/Sustainability/Renewables sector. Newly qualified ACAs can contact Dave Riordan, Careers Team, Chartered Accountants. Network for Chartered Accountants working on ESG projects Are you a Chartered Accountant working in ESG 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 Accountant now has a network to allow members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting. 3rd Wednesday of every month Next : 22 February, 2023 14.00-15.00/30 Chartered Accountant House/Teams If you would like to attend please email sustainability@charteredaccountants.ie   Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting Classes start Wednesday 15 February Following sellout sittings in 2022, our Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting for accountants is back. Over 8 weeks, you'll cover key reporting frameworks and metrics, and learn to address the ESG opportunities and challenges that organisations already face. Find out more 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, read about two public consultations now open: one on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the other on sustainability-related consumer-rights legislation. Also covered is Ireland’s plans to report on its progress against the UN Sustainable Development Goals; a new funding rate allocation model for social enterprises; and how IAASA has for the first time raised climate change and sustainability matters in its Compendium of Financial Reporting Decisions. We also feature the usual articles, podcasts and upcoming events.   Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive –  DETE consultation (From our colleagues in Professional Accountancy) Following on from its webinar on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) it held last week, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has this week issued a public consultation seeking the views of interested parties on the Member State options in the Directive. The speakers’ PowerPoint slides from DETE’s webinar are now available, and the consultation is open until 5pm on Thursday 9 March 2023. Irish Government opens consultation on consumer-rights Directive The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have opened a consultation on a proposed EU Directive aimed at improving sustainable consumption. The Directive aims to ensure consumers have better information on the durability and reparability of certain products and to protect consumers against unfair commercial practices that prevent sustainable purchases. These practices include greenwashing (misleading environmental claims), early obsolescence (premature failures of goods) and the use of unreliable and non-transparent sustainability labels and information tools. The consultation is open until close of business on Friday, 17 February 2023. Ireland’s plans to report on progress against the UN Sustainable Development Goals The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has announced that Ireland will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2023. The report will review Ireland’s progress towards achieving the UN’s ‘Agenda 2030’, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including the commitment to Leave No One Behind. Individuals and businesses can contribute to Ireland’s VNR by attending (online or in-person) the next SDG National Stakeholder Forum meeting in April 2023 or by submitting ideas as part of the online consultation for the 2023 VNR. Read more. Revised funding for Ireland’s social enterprises A new funding rate allocation model has been announced for the  Community Services Programme (CSP), an initiative designed to support social enterprises, community-based businesses, and organisations that provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people. Up to 400 community organisations are likely to receive additional funding under the new model. In a further enhancement of the programme, organisations may draw down a full contribution based on 37.5 hours per week per worker, rather than 39 hours, as was previously the case. A new call for applications under the CSP is set to be announced. IAASA raises climate change and sustainability matters in Compendium of Financial Reporting Decisions From our colleagues in Professional Accountancy IAASA has published its latest Compendium of Financial Reporting Decisions. This compendium is published with the aim of assisting preparers to prepare high-quality financial reports. In the compendium, IAASA has published decisions relating to accounting treatments applied by three companies in their 2021 annual reports. While also addressing accounting treatments applied under various accounting standards, the publication raises, for the first time, some financial reporting decisions relating to climate change and sustainability matters. Nature and biodiversity finance – risk and opportunities for Ireland The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE) has released a scoping study into the burgeoning biodiversity agenda in line with Action 8 of Ireland’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap. Nature and biodiversity finance: Risks and opportunities for Ireland outlines how the biodiversity finance agenda is undergoing a global surge, one which is being driven by the risks and opportunities facing financial systems as a result of economic dependency on the natural world. Companies are recognising biodiversity risks but are not turning commitments into action; therefore, opportunities exist at a macro level to reverse the damage to biodiversity in recent years through policy reform and regulation, and for the private sector to provide nature positive customer solutions. More news from ISFCOE. New suite of green lease clauses for commercial leases A new suite of green lease clauses for use in commercial leases in Ireland has been published by The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP), a collaborative initiative of international legal and industry professionals whose vision is a world where every contract enables solutions to climate change. The clauses are named after children in recognition of how actions to combat the climate crisis will benefit future generations. The clauses are called Odhran’s Clause, Emily and Tom’s Clause and Amélie and Lauri’s Clause. Extension for the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme From our colleagues in Tax Revenue has announced that claims under the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) for the September 2022 claim period can be made by eligible businesses after the 31 January deadline. Read more. Ireland referred to CJEU for failure on biodiversity and water commitments Ireland is among six Member States being referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for failure to prevent and manage invasive alien plant and animal species, one of the five major causes of biodiversity loss in Europe and worldwide, representing an estimated damage of €12 billion per year to the European economy. The Commission has also decided to refer Ireland to the CJEU for failing to correctly transpose into national law the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) which protects waters from pollution. Separately, it has called on Ireland and 13 other Member States to respect their reduction commitments under Directive 2016/2284 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, which is among the key factors negatively affecting human health. Articles How the UK’s push to reach net-zero could deliver key health benefits (Carbon Brief) Class action litigation risk rises on ESG claims (Bloomberg) UK accounting watchdog tightens scrutiny of ESG in company audits (Reuters) NTMA to sell €3bn of green bonds in early test of debt markets (Irish Times) Net zero: Next moves for CEOs (McKinsey & Co) – also available as a podcast CB Launches New Financed Emissions and Sustainable Finance Indicators to Track Climate Risk (ESG Today) Irish showdown shapes crucial EU climate goals legislation (The Irish Times)   Webinar recordings Scaling up the Circular Economy webinar (ClearStream Solutions/SustHub) How to save energy and be more sustainable at home (Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society with SEAI - click here for password)   Competitions Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) is now accepting applications for the A4S Academy 2023. This is a sustainable business learning and implementation programme designed specifically for senior finance professionals. The Academy includes live, flexible and interactive sessions designed to upskill participants by developing technical knowledge and leadership skills. Participants typically include VPs Finance, Investor Relations Directors, Divisional CFOs, Controllers, Treasurers, Internal Audit Directors and Heads of External Reporting. The 18-month programme will begin at the end of June 2023, with applications closing on 31st March. More details, includingprogramme outline, eligibility and fees are on the A4S website or by email.   Events Practical Steps for Reducing Energy Consumption webinar – Northern Ireland (Invest NI) 13 February, 10:30 to 11:30am Resource Matching Workshop – Northern Ireland(Invest NI) 22 February, 09:00 – 13:00 National Sustainability Summit (Premier Publishing) 23 February 23 09:00 - 16:00 Demystifying Sustainability & ESG Reporting Webinar (Clearstream Solutions) 24 February 24, 12:00 – 13:00 Return on Sustainability Investment Webinar (Clearstream Solutions) 31 March 12:00 – 13:00 Jobs Financial/Reporting Accountant for major energy provider in Ireland’s Energy/Sustainability/Renewables sector. Newly qualified ACAs can contact Dave Riordan, Careers Team, Chartered Accountants. Network for Chartered Accountants working on ESG projects Are you a Chartered Accountant working in ESG 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 Accountant now has a network to allow members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting. 3rd Wednesday of every month Next : 22 February, 2023 14.00-15.00/30 Chartered Accountant House/Teams If you would like to attend please email sustainability@charteredaccountants.ie   Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting Classes start Wednesday 15 February Following sellout sittings in 2022, our Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting for accountants is back. Over 8 weeks, you'll cover key reporting frameworks and metrics, and learn to address the ESG opportunities and challenges that organisations already face. Find out more You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.