In this week’s Sustainability/ESG bulletin, read about the launch of Ireland’s second SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week. Also covered is the public consultation on Ireland’s second National Plan on Business and Human Rights, funding for female entrepreneurs in rural areas in Ireland and for UK SMEs working on innovative decarbonisation projects, the launch of the new UK Business Climate Hub and Net Zero business sector roadmaps, as well as the usual roundup of articles, resources and events.
Ireland launches second SDG Week
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has announced Ireland’s second SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week. The UN SDGs work towards ambitions such as an end to poverty, sustainable economic development, protection of the environment, access to health and education services, gender equality, peaceful societies, and decent work. Ireland’s SDG Week, from 23 September to 1 October, forms part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) which this year will run from 18 September to 8 October, and which last year saw over 7,000 events taking place across 24 countries, with over 100 events held across Ireland. The SDG week is open to all businesses, individuals, groups, schools and colleges, and institutions, to take part in or organise events, or highlight an activity or project that promotes sustainable development.
Consultation on Ireland’s second National Plan on Business and Human Rights
The Department of Foreign Affairs is calling for views on the development of Ireland’s second National Plan on Business and Human Rights. The new National Plan aims to support Ireland’s implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a set of guidelines developed by the UN Special Representative on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
Commenting, Dara Calleary, Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, TD, said: “Consumers, employees, investors and shareholders, as well as the wider public rightly expect companies to do business in a sustainable and responsible manner. Companies who embrace and protect human rights are at a competitive advantage and ultimately will add value in the long term.”
Written submissions can be sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs at bhrconsultation@dfa.ie until 8 September 2023.
Funding for female entrepreneurs in rural areas
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is calling on female entrepreneurs in rural areas to apply for the 50 places available in this year’s ACORNS programme, a free business development programme for early-stage female entrepreneurs based in rural Ireland. Ireland's progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls can be found here.
Increase in landfill levy from 1 September
The Minister of State with special responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, TD, has signed new regulations which introduce a waste recovery levy of €10 per tonne (or 1,000kg), and a €10 increase to the existing ‘landfill levy’ to €85 per tonne. The new regulations will come into effect on 1 September 2023 and both householders and businesses are encouraged to manage the impact of the charge by maximising the amount of material they place in the mixed dry recyclable and bio-waste (brown) bin. See www.mywaste.ie for more.
Funding announced for UK SMEs working on innovative decarbonisation projects
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation has announced a user-focused design competition – Net Zero Living – in which it will work with micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest up to £3.8 million in innovation projects to support the net zero agenda. Total grant funding request must be between £50,000 and £100,000 and the closing date for applications is 11am on Wednesday 4 October 2023.
Funding is also being offered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for stream 3 of its Artificial Intelligence for Decarbonisation innovation programme. This aims to fund innovative AI approaches that will address critical challenges in decarbonisation, with a total of £2.25 million of grant funding available across several categories. The deadline for applications to stream of this competition is 2pm, 10 October 2023.
New UK Business Climate Hub launches
A new UK Business Climate Hub has launched to provide net zero advice for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. The hub will provided businesses with access to new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions. The Hub has been developed with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the SME Climate Hub and the UK’s main business organisations, energy networks, high street banks and professional bodies.
UK’s Net Zero Council publishes Net zero business sector roadmap
The UK’s Net Zero Council, a high-level government forum which aims to support industry to help cut emissions and develop greener practices, has developed a framework to help businesses create tailored action plans to reduce emissions across their sector. The Net zero business sector roadmap guidelines is a set of criteria that all business sector roadmaps should meet to ensure they can effectively reduce emissions and call for: 1. A credible pathway aligned to HMG’s Net Zero Strategy; 2. Robust delivery plan and structures; 3. Collaboration on barriers, gaps and dependencies, and 4. Independent assessment of roadmaps to ensure credibility.
Did you know?
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Invest Northern Ireland is offering free Sustainability Reports for Northern Ireland businesses with annual energy and resource spend of more than £30,000 (this could include the combined value of heating, electricity, water, waste disposal or raw material billings). The reports are an assessment and understanding of businesses’ environmental performance across areas, such as raw materials, energy, carbon, packaging, biodiversity and waste.
Resources
The updated Climate Essentials for Accountants guide demystifies the vocabulary of climate action and introduces accountants to jargon that they will hear with increasing frequency over the coming months and years.
Podcasts
- Inside the industry that made climate denial work – true clime and climate change (Zero from Bloomberg)
- ISSB standards, E-Commerce Trade Commission, and CPD update (ICAEW Insights)
Articles
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What Accountants Need to Know about Carbon Offsets (IFAC)
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ESG for SMEs: what if you do nothing? (ICAEW)
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IFAC Calls on G20 Leaders to Lead on Sustainable and Inclusive Growth; Highlights Enabling Role of Accountancy Profession (IFAC)
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Climate change contributing to inflation - Norway fund boss (RTÉ)
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Another Irish record for wind generation set in July (Irish Examiner)
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Judge rules in favour of youths accusing Montana state of violating right to clean environment (The Journal)
Jobs
Group Sustainability Reporting Manager - Glenveagh Properties plc, Maynooth, County Kildare.
Upcoming events
Dublin Chamber: The Future of Sustainable Finance
The latest event in our Dublin 2050 series. Dublin has been steadily growing its reputation as a hub for sustainable finance in recent times, making significant progress in advancing sustainable finance practices and attracting investments aligned with ESG principles. This expert panel-led event aims to contribute to knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation within the business community.
In person, 5 September, 8.30 – 10.00. Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2
Dublin Chamber – Sustainability Academy Workshops
Dublin Chamber has announced it will offer Sustainability Academy workshops in Autumn. Beginning with a workshop on Sustainability/ESG 101 in September, the 3-hour Zoom workshops includes a free one-hour, post-workshop one-on-one advisory consultation per company with an expert advisor. Find out more here.
InterTrade Ireland: The Shared Island Fund – Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiatives Funding opportunity
Virtual, 14 September, 10:00 - 11:00.
Environment Ireland’s: Environment Conference
In person: 14–15 September, Croke Park, Dublin
Business Post LIVE/iQuest: Energy Transition Summit
In person: 19 September, Croke Park, Dublin
ESDN: European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) 2023
18 September – 08 October. 113 initiatives in 10 countries.
DETE: Building Better Businesses North-East Event, Dundalk Institute of Technology
The latest in the series of Building Better Business events organised by DETE across the country to help businesses focus on the opportunities and challenges presented by the green economy and digital transformation. This event is open to businesses based in the North East.
In person: 22 September, 9.00 - 1.00 - Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC), Faulkner Building, Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Climate Finance Week Ireland 2023
In person and virtual: Monday, 20 November – Friday, 24 November
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 Accountants Ireland now has a network to allow members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting.
- 3rd or 4th Wednesday of every month
- Next: 23 August 2023
- 14.00-15.00/30
- 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.
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