Sustainability Centre

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about how green teams can boost business, updates on Ireland’s policies for energy, sustainability reporting, and green public procurement, Ireland’s reaffirmed commitment to the UN SDGs, progress on Climate Action Plans and a consultation on a sectoral adaptation plan for flood risk. Also covered is the UK’s decision against a Green Taxonomy and a report into its climate and biodiversity solutions, the European Commission’s consultation on how to simplify environmental legislation by cutting red tape, and the usual podcasts, articles, resources and upcoming events. Chartered Accountants Ireland Sustainability from within: how green teams can boost business Green teams are gaining traction in organisations as a practical way to drive sustainability from within. In this article in Accountancy Ireland Briefly Susan Rossney Sustainability Advocacy Manager at Chartered Accountants Ireland describes how by fostering green teams, businesses can not only build internal sustainability capacity but also future-proof their organisations, creating value for employees, customers and the planet alike. Ireland ‘Stopping the clock’ on sustainability reporting regulation The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has signed a Statutory Instrument to give legal effect in Ireland to the EU’s “Stop the Clock” Directive on Corporate Sustainability Reporting. These regulations ensure that the original Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will not apply to so-called Wave 2 and Wave 3 companies for a further two years respectively, while the European Commission’s Omnibus proposal is being negotiated and agreed. Chartered Accountants Ireland’s coverage of the announcement can be found here. Government sets out commitment to sustainable development Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has set out Ireland’s commitment to sustainable development at the United Nations 'High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development' (HLPF) in New York this week. As Ireland marks the 70th anniversary of its membership of the UN this year, Minister O’Brien reiterated Ireland's commitment to multilateralism and called for a coordinated approach at national and international levels to address the complex and crosscutting nature of today’s global challenges. Separately, it was announced that Ireland’s fourth Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week, hosted by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, will take place from 19–28 September 2025, alongside European SDG Week. This week aims to raise awareness and celebrate progress on the SDGs and invites interested parties to register their events at www.esdn.eu/esdw. Green Public Procurement Circular publishes The Government has approved a new Circular to boost Green Public Procurement (GPP) across the public sector. The approval follows public consultation undertaken by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) to inform the development of Ireland’s first National Public Procurement Strategy, the core themes of which will be green, social, and innovative procurement, scheduled for recommendation to Government later this year, and. The (OGP) has been tasked with playing a leadership role in embedding green public procurement across the public sector and ensuring compulsory reporting on GPP, so that progress in this area can be monitored. The Circular, which was introduced to ensure delivery on commitments in the Programme for Government; Securing Ireland’s Future includes a measure encouraging public sector bodies to pay particular consideration to any potential impact on SMEs when applying GPP practice. It also encourages public sector bodies to consider the ‘total price of a product’, including purchase price, operating costs and end-of-life costs. Draft Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management publishes The Office of Public Works (OPW) has published a draft Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management for public consultation. The Plan considers the impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk, reflecting the increasing effects of climate change on weather patterns, and the risk of flooding in Ireland becoming a critical concern in relation to impacts on communities, infrastructure, the economy, and ecosystems. The Plan sets out adaptation actions needed to ensure effective and sustainable management of flood risk into the future. Submissions, observations, and comments on the draft Plan are invited before 15 August 2025. Climate Action Plan progress report publishes Four of the six new actions of the 2025 Climate Action Plan (CAP25) that were due to be completed during Quarter 1 of 2025 were delivered on time, according to the recently published Quarter 1 Progress Report.  The report focuses on the six sectors with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, as well as on cross-cutting actions. It also provides updates on sectoral Key Performance Indicators, emissions trends and high impact case studies. Government announces number of energy updates The Government has announced a number of updates to energy including in the areas of electricity generation and grid infrastructure, funding for district heating and greater cooperation on energy transition. As part of the National Development Plan the Government has approved a €3.5 billion investment in Ireland's electricity grid infrastructure (2026-2030), the largest single investment in the country’s electricity network in its history. This investment aims to strengthen Ireland’s energy security, support economic growth and accelerate our transition to renewable energy. The enhanced grid will be crucial to deliver on key Programme for Government commitments, including achieving 80 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Separately, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has approved the allocation of €5 million to support pre-construction development costs for efficient district heating projects in Ireland, and for the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme (RHO), which aims to help to reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and to strengthen our energy security. Government approval has also been granted for a new policy on 'Private Wires', a reform of the rules on electricity infrastructure. This is intended to unlock private sector investment in electricity infrastructure (particularly renewable generation and storage), facilitate the provision of low-cost charging solution for Electric Vehicles, and expand opportunities for self-supply of electricity. The Minister also signed an extension to the 2023 energy Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy for increased cooperation between both countries in the energy transition. Increase in female representation in finance leadership Female representation in senior roles in Ireland’s financial services has significantly increased over the past three years, according to the latest report by the Women in Finance Charter. This industry-led and Government-supported initiative is aimed at increasing participation of women at all levels of business in financial services in Ireland. It now includes 100 firms – including Chartered Accountants Ireland – employing over 72,000 people. Key findings show board-level female representation rose from 30.3 percent to 43.4 percent, senior management from 36.2 percent to 43.4 percent, and female CEOs from 19.4 percent to 22.6 percent, reflecting steady progress since 2022. AIB launches Business Sustainability Loan AIB has launched a new low-cost green and transition loan to help businesses transition to a low carbon economy. The Business Sustainability Loan aims to support all businesses, including farmers, clubs, trusts and charities seeking to green their operation. Complementing AIB’s Steps to Sustainability Programme which supports businesses to plan for a greener future, the loan is available at a variable interest rate of 4.95 percent for amounts between €2,000 to a maximum of €100,000, for each eligible loan purpose and is repayable between one and seven years. It supports businesses investing in green and transition measures including renewable energy systems, forestry, green buildings (commercial and residential), zero emission vehicles, circular economy and waste management. All of these changes can help reduce costs for businesses. Applications can be made in branch, via advisors or on the phone, with quick decisioning and e-signing. Northern Ireland/UK Discount of up to £3,750 on electric cars The UK government has announced a £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG), offering discounts of up to £3,750 per car for new electric vehicles priced at or under £37,000. The initiative aims to support the transition from petrol and diesel cars, aligning with the goal to phase out their sales by 2030. Starting from 16 July, manufacturers can apply for their zero-emission cars to be included in the scheme, with funding available until the 2028-2029 financial year. This grant is expected to save drivers up to £1,500 annually in fuel and running costs compared to petrol cars. The scheme is part of a broader £4.5 billion investment to promote EV adoption, including £63 million for home charging infrastructure and transitioning NHS fleets to electric. The initiative is part of the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to support economic growth and make EV ownership more accessible. UK government decides against Green Taxonomy The UK government has announced that it will not introduce a Green Taxonomy as a means of guiding companies and investors on what is a green investment, reportedly citing mixed feedback from investment groups and concerns about policy clarity. Instead, the government announced its intention to focus on other policies, including those pertaining to sustainability reporting. This decision is part of the Financial Services growth plan announced on 15 July. The government aims to establish the UK as a global hub for green finance, while other jurisdictions continue developing their own taxonomies. Report into UK government’s climate and biodiversity solutions The UK government has published a report presenting examples of how it is implementing solutions to meet its global commitments on climate change and biodiversity loss across England, and describing the potential avenues it is exploring to further enhance its approach. The report, Unlocking benefits for people, nature and climate: Actions to jointly address climate change and biodiversity loss in England, focuses on priority sectors, including climate and nature integration, delivery of clean energy, supporting a rural economy, restoring our seas,  and mobilising green finance. The report describes the UK as “a leader in natural capital accounting”, which is a means of valuing nature in terms of its ability to deliver essential services, such as carbon sequestration, flood protection, and urban cooling.  In the Foreword, report authors Minister Mary Creagh and Minister Kerry McCarthy MP state that “By maximising co-benefits we will strengthen our resilience, including our long-term fiscal sustainability, reducing the systemic risks associated with climate change and nature loss”. Europe European Commission opens call for evidence on how to simplify environmental legislation The European Commission has opened a call for evidence on how to simplify environmental legislation by cutting red tape while upholding and better achieving the EU’s environmental objectives of this legislation. The call serves to identify EU environmental policies that could be simplified for businesses without affecting the EU’s environmental objectives or the protection of human health, such as those policies concerning the circular economy, industrial emissions and waste management. The initiative is aligned with key EU initiatives, such as the Competitiveness Compass, and with the Commission’s work programme for 2025, which set the target of cutting administrative burden by at least 25 percent for all companies and at least 35 percent for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Compass also calls for accelerated permitting for sectors in transition to a clean and digital economy.  These actions tie in with the announcements made in the 2025 Single Market Strategy, in particular regarding EPR. All stakeholders are encouraged to respond using the Have Your Say portal. The feedback period for the Call for Evidence is open until the 10 September 2025. Joint statement calls on EU to preserve EU sustainable finance framework Accountancy Europe has endorsed a joint statement calling on EU policymakers to preserve the core of the EU sustainable finance framework. The statement stresses the importance of maintaining strong sustainability rules – on reporting, transition plans, climate targets, and due diligence – as part of the EU’s economic and sustainability ambitions. It also encourages policymakers to safeguard the key elements of the CSRD, ESRS and CSDDD in light of the Omnibus I simplification initiative, key elements it states are essential to directing investment towards the green transition and strengthening the EU’s capital markets. The statement also asserts that while regulatory simplification is possible, is should not be at the expense of the substance or benefits of sustainability rules. Signatories to the statement include leading organisations Eurosif - The European Sustainable Investment Forum; the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC); Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI); CLG Europe, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and E3G. EU Clean Industrial Deal – short-guide Interested in a short guide to the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal? More than a green strategy, the Deal is a blueprint for economic resilience through climate innovation. SustainabilityWorks has a super-short guide here 🌍 💡 WORLD The IFRS Foundation has published ‘near-final examples’ demonstrating how companies can improve the reporting of uncertainties in their financial statements using climate-related examples as practical illustrations. This early publication is intended to support timely and informed application. Podcast Chartered Accountants Worldwide, Episode 3: How to stay resilient, stay balanced — and help save the planet (4 minutes, 21 seconds) The third episode of the Chartered Accountants Worldwide Audio Newsletter explores the vital themes of resilience, work–life balance, and the emerging discipline of carbon accounting. Designed for busy professionals, it delivers practical tools and thought-provoking insights to help chartered accountants thrive in a complex, ever-evolving world. Articles National Development Plan to help Ireland meet climate goals, says Taoiseach (Irish Times) Innovative data centre pilot with leading energy providers combats ‘greenwashing’ (Business Post) Irish firms strengthen DE&I commitments while others retreat, survey finds (Business Post) Catastrophe bond sales hit record as insurers offload climate risks (FT) We need to talk about AI’s staggering ecological impact (Irish Times) An unexpected green roof benefit: purging urban rainfall of practically all microplastics (Anthropocene Magazine) EU to compensate exporting industries for carbon levy (Reuters)  Resources The July Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) newsletter has published with: Guidance for organisation on aligning transition and financial planning The Transition Finance Playbook: A practical guide for financial institutions  to scale up their transition finance activities The Finance for the Future Awards winners A recap of the A4S Summit 2025 An update on the strategic partnership between Social Value International (SVI) and A4S to advance the ‘True & Fair Project’, SVI’s global initiative to ensure that sustainability is not sidelined in financial decision making. A link to the TNFD 2025 Status Report Survey, which will track the global uptake of nature-related assessment and reporting practices and will inform the 2025 Status Report, launching during Climate Week NYC. Sign up to receive the A4S newsletter. Events Business for Biodiversity Ireland,  Webinar: Introducing the Nature-Based Enterprise This webinar on new market opportunities in nature-based solutions will bring together communities of nature-based enterprises, working with and for nature, delivering nature-based solutions helping to address business dependencies and risks from nature loss and climate change.  Whether you are interested in benefiting from nature-based solutions to climate adaptation, developing new products and services, you are a start-up business in this area, or you will have businesses like these in your supply chain, this webinar provides a good understanding of how your business can participate in the nature positive economy and go nature positive!  Virtual (Teams), 20 August, 12-1pm UN Global Compact (Swiss Network) Managing Risks in Supply Chains: When On-Demand Labour Becomes Forced Labour How does your business model and sourcing strategy cause or contribute to social and environmental risks along your value chain; and how exposed are your business activities to risks embedded in your purchased goods and services?  This series of webinars (convened by the UNGC’s Swiss Network) will take you through innovative approaches to conducting risk assessments and gaining actionable insights that can then be addressed through collaborative, data-driven approaches with measurable results. Using a case study approach the Equiception team will share their experiences in multiple economic sectors and regions of the world with a special focus on decent working conditions, forced labour and child labour.  Webinar, 28 August 2025 | 12:30-14:00   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 (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   Diversity Mark, Diversity Mark Annual Summit 2025 This event will explore how diversity and inclusion can drive sustainable business growth, gathering over 300 business leaders, executives, and inclusion advocates for a full-day programme featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions. It aims to equip attendees with practical strategies to create more inclusive workplaces and foster meaningful change across sectors. In person, October 2025, Titanic Belfast  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 read about EV fleet assessment grants, a UN progress report on Ireland by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the UK survey identifying growth in the number of mid-tier UK firms planning to offer ESG-related services, and the launch by the European Commission of a Roadmap towards Nature Credits. Also covered is the rise in climate litigation and the publication of ‘investor explainer’ on climate policy engagement disclosure, as well as the usual resources, articles, and upcoming events.   Ireland Final Update Report on White Paper on Enterprise Implementation publishes The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, T.D., has launched the fourth and final Update Report on the White Paper on Enterprise Implementation Plan, marking the conclusion of a two-year implementation period that began in 2023. The report showcases the progress made across 40 strategic initiatives underpinned by 93 activities. Among sustainability initiatives mentioned was the implementation of Ireland’s Offshore Wind Strategy, ‘Powering Prosperity’, and €312.6 million approved under the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will now commence the development of ‘Enterprise 2035’, the new enterprise strategy set out in the 2025 Programme for Government for enterprise growth and job creation over the coming decade. EV fleet assessment grant The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published details of its EV Fleet Assessment Grant. The grant, which offers up to €8,000 to Irish businesses aiming to transition their vehicle fleets, also funds a professional assessment that reviews a company’s current fleet, recommends suitable vehicles for electrification, and outlines necessary charging infrastructure. Eligible applicants include SMEs, large industries, and semi-state bodies with fleets of at least five vehicles, while public sector bodies are excluded. Climate Conversations 2025 consultation open The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has opened its Climate Conversations 2025 Consultation, which invites people across Ireland to share their views on climate action and how it impacts their daily lives. It aims to gather public input to shape future climate policies and ensure a fair and inclusive transition to a low-carbon society. The consultation is open until 22 September 2025 and is part of Ireland’s broader National Dialogue on Climate Action. UN progress report on Elimination of Discrimination against Women in Ireland The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, T.D., has welcomed the publication of the UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) progress report on Ireland. This report acknowledged positive measures in gender equality which aimed to promote women’s leadership and address systemic barriers since 2017, such as the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021, and the National Strategy for Women and Girls.  It also highlighted areas needing further improvement. Ireland reaffirmed its dedication to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and plans further engagement with civil society and human rights bodies. CSO publishes full set of ‘ecosystem accounts’ for flood control The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has published another full set of ecosystem accounts for Ireland.  Ecosystem Accounts – Flood Control Analysis 2025, which published as part of the CSO Frontier Series, focuses on flood control, highlights the importance of natural ecosystems in mitigating flood risks, and quantifies the economic value of these services. The report aims to inform policy decisions by providing data on the benefits of preserving and restoring natural habitats to enhance flood resilience and reduce economic losses from flooding.   UK/Northern Ireland Survey finds growth in number of mid-tier UK firms planning to offer ESG-related services The latest edition ofICAEW’s Mid-Tier Evolution research reveals that just under half of firms surveyed were planning to start offering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) related services, compared to only 10 percent in 2024 who at that time saw ESG as a growth opportunity. It also confirmed that access to skills remains a challenge, with close to half of surveyed firms saying it is a barrier to growth. Two-thirds of firms that intend to start offering ESG services are already investing in upskilling staff, and 50 percent are forming partnerships with ESG experts. Two-thirds of the firms that do not plan to offer ESG services said it was due to a lack of sufficient internal expertise and resources.    EUROPE European Commission launches Roadmap towards Nature Credits The European Commission has launched a 'Roadmap towards Nature Credits', to incentivise private investments into actions that protect and preserve nature, and reward those who undertake and invest in these actions. Nature credits represent an investment into nature-positive actions by a company, a financial institution, a public entity or a citizen, which in return can benefit from cleaner ecosystems, risk reduction, improved reputation and higher social acceptability for its projects. The Roadmap aims to develop clear standards and reliable certification for these nature-positive actions to make nature credits effective and trustworthy, while avoiding administrative burden when joining such a scheme. It will also draw on already existing standards. Accountancy Europe – July Sustainability Update Accountancy Europe has published the July issue of their Sustainability Update. Highlights include: Council of the EU reaches position on Omnibus European Parliament latest study on reporting obligations European Commission intends withdrawing Green Claims Directive Commission extends deadline for EFRAG to deliver technical advice on ESRS EFRAG presents its progress on ESRS simplification IFRS presents new jurisdictional profiles WORLD The UN Global Compact, the voluntary initiative by the United Nations to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and practices, celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. During a recent webinar Corporate Sustainability in Crisis, co-hosted with CBS Professor Andreas Rasche, Founding Director Georg Kell reflected on the growing complexity and fragmentation shaping today’s global landscape, while reaffirming that the long-term drivers of sustainability—climate risk, social expectations, and shifting market signals—remain as urgent as ever. Kell urged companies to stay grounded in universal values, adapt to local realities, and embrace emerging technologies to drive meaningful impact. For more, you can read Georg’s recent Harvard Business Review article: Corporate Sustainability Is in Crisis. What Should Companies Do Now?   Climate litigation increasingly reaching the highest courts around the world, report finds Analysis published by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science has shown climate litigation is increasingly reaching the highest courts globally. The report – which identified 276 climate-related cases reaching so-called ‘apex courts’ across the world since 2015 – found that more than 80 percent of cases have challenged governments, with two decisions in 2024 ordering state governments in the United States to undertake more ambitious climate action. Commenting, Catherine Higham, Senior Policy Fellow, said that “Governments and companies are increasingly having to consider the legal ramifications of pushing ahead with oil or gas projects, as they risk being dragged through the courts” and that “The broader impacts of climate litigation are becoming increasingly visible and well-documented. It is no longer a niche concern; it is increasingly seen as a financial risk.”    Investor explainer on climate policy engagement disclosure The non-profit think-tank InfluenceMap has published an ‘investor explainer’ on climate policy engagement disclosure, to make the case for requiring reporting on corporate climate policy engagement in emerging mandatory disclosure regulations globally. The explainer explained, among other things, that such disclosures help investors to assess climate-related risks and ensure corporate alignment with global climate goals. The report was co-authored with a group of institutional investors at the forefront of efforts towards corporate climate policy engagement reform: BNP Paribas Asset Management (France), Railpen (UK), AkademikerPension (Denmark) and Storebrand (Norway) with a combined $1 trillion of assets under management. Did you know? 5 - 11 July 2025 is Net Zero Week, the UK's official national awareness week dedicated to all things related to achieving net-zero emissions. It brings together academics, scientists, policy makers and trade associations to discuss how to reach net zero by 2050. This article by InvestNI’s Head of Green Economy focuses on key growth areas for Northern Ireland’s green economy. Expression of Interest: The Business of Nature Positive, Trinity Business School Trinity Business School is inviting businesses to participate in undergraduate-/student-led research to trial the application of nature-related reporting frameworks and tools, and to explore ways to develop a roadmap to nature positive. The project will suit businesses looking to develop a deeper understanding of their impacts and dependencies on nature, and wondering where to start with nature related disclosures. Interested businesses can complete and submit an expression of interest form here. (Previous participants included Chartered Accountants Ireland) Articles Asset managers will continue to seek out the full picture of a company’s transition readiness, including their lobbying activities (Sustainable Views - FT) How can businesses change their business model to support biodiversity? (Irish Times) ‘Insets’ are the new offsets (Bloomberg Green) Media and telecoms can lead the charge in sustainability (Accountancy Ireland – Briefly) Just the Facts | What is the EU Green Claims Directive? (European Movement Ireland) How organisations can effectively prepare for the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Accountancy Ireland - Briefly) Events CDP Ireland Network Corporate Disclosure In-Person Training and Workshops Join the CPD Ireland network for training and workshops to support and guide you on completing the 2025 questionnaire. Whether it's your first or fifth time disclosing with us, our CDP Network Ireland Corporate Disclosure in-person training and workshops are for you.  They will be delivered by the team from CDP, supported by Goodbody Clearstream. In person, AIB Head Office, 10 Molesworth Street D02 W260 Dublin 2 Ireland, Wednesday, July 23 · 10:30am - 4:30pm. UN Global Compact (Swiss Network) Managing Risks in Supply Chains: When On-Demand Labour Becomes Forced Labour How does your business model and sourcing strategy cause or contribute to social and environmental risks along your value chain; and how exposed are your business activities to risks embedded in your purchased goods and services?  This series of webinars (convened by the UNGC’s Swiss Network) will take you through innovative approaches to conducting risk assessments and gaining actionable insights that can then be addressed through collaborative, data-driven approaches with measurable results. Using a case study approach the Equiception team will share their experiences in multiple economic sectors and regions of the world with a special focus on decent working conditions, forced labour and child labour.  Webinar, 28 August 2025 | 12:30-14:00 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 (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  Diversity Mark, Diversity Mark Annual Summit 2025 This event will explore how diversity and inclusion can drive sustainable business growth, gathering over 300 business leaders, executives, and inclusion advocates for a full-day programme featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions. It aims to equip attendees with practical strategies to create more inclusive workplaces and foster meaningful change across sectors. In person, October 2025, Titanic Belfast Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.