Irish businesses are making strides towards a greener future, with sustainability now at the very heart of operations across the country. A recent EY report – the State of Sustainability 2024 – reveals that a remarkable 81 per cent of Irish companies have ramped up their focus on sustainable practices over the past year.
This represents a 19 per cent jump on the figures recorded in 2022, underscoring a newfound determination among Irish enterprises to embrace environmental responsibility.
The EY findings indicate that not only are more businesses adopting sustainable measures, but they are also advancing in the quality of their efforts. Seventy-four per cent of respondents rated their sustainability practices as “established or better,” a significant improvement from the 61 per cent observed last year. Even more encouraging is that 15 per cent of businesses now consider themselves industry leaders in sustainability – a figure that has doubled since 2022.
Concerns about 'greenwashing'
However, the report does highlight that 35 per cent of companies feel they could be doing more, an increase from 17 per cent in the previous survey. This growing self-awareness is partly fuelled by an acute sensitivity to greenwashing. With 35 per cent of firms confessing that the fear of being accused of greenwashing shapes their communications, there is a clear push for transparency and authenticity in their green claims.
At the same time, navigating the intricate web of EU regulations remains a significant challenge. Sixty-five per cent of those surveyed cited the EU Emissions Trading System as a top concern. In addition, supply chain due diligence – driven by regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD ) – was highlighted by 62 per cent of respondents. The increasing regulatory demands have forced many companies to bolster their internal processes, often turning to technology solutions to gather the necessary environmental, social and governance (ESG ) data for compliance.
Increasing demand for sustainability in the workplace
Amid this evolving landscape, Ireland’s leading talent solutions provider, CPL, has stepped into the fray with initiatives that mirror the country’s sustainable ambitions. CPL’s Sustainability Strategy & Report 2024 details a striking 62 per cent year-on-year increase in the demand for sustainability roles, a surge propelled largely by the impending requirements of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD ). With new regulations set to come into force in 2026, businesses across key sectors – from pharmaceuticals and public services to food production, utilities and construction – are in hot pursuit of professionals who can steer them through the maze of CSRD compliance, sustainability management, and broader ESG implementation.
To meet this growing need, CPL has launched a specialised sustainability recruitment team, tasked with connecting organisations to the right talent for the green transition. This move comes as no surprise given CPL’s own impressive sustainability credentials. The report outlines that CPL has managed to measure and reduce its full carbon footprint across all operations, boasting a 14 per cent reduction in 2023. Other notable achievements include an increase in volunteering time off by nearly 13.5 per cent, the successful placement of over 76,000 individuals into decent work since 2019, and the launch of a leadership development programme – Cpl Fusion – in collaboration with UCD Professional Academy.
Lorna Conn, CEO of CPL, was keen to emphasise the company’s commitment, stating, "At Cpl, sustainability is at the heart of our mission to deliver exceptional talent solutions for our clients and candidates and to create a working environment where our people can flourish. We firmly believe that good sustainability practices drive stronger and more profitable business performance. This conviction is reflected in the strides we have made under our Sustainability Strategy, and our commitment to making a positive impact in the world we operate in.”
Reflective of wider demand
The synergy between the drive towards improved sustainability practices and the booming demand for green talent speaks volumes about the direction in which Irish business is headed. As nearly two-thirds of Irish companies now face increased stakeholder enquiries about their environmental impact – and over half recognise that a robust sustainability record is crucial for securing capital – the need for skilled sustainability professionals is more pressing than ever. Organisations are realising that their environmental credentials can make all the difference in an increasingly competitive market.
In sum, both the EY State of Sustainability 2024 report and CPL’s Sustainability Strategy & Report 2024 paint a picture of Ireland on the cusp of a significant green transformation. With businesses diligently working to meet stringent EU regulations and to avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing, and with a vibrant market for sustainability roles emerging across diverse sectors, the future looks bright. As Irish companies continue to build their green credentials, the nation is set to become a shining example of how environmental responsibility and robust economic performance can go hand in hand.
Indeed, the county is proving that when it comes to sustainability, Irish businesses are not just keeping pace – they’re setting the standard for a greener, more responsible future.
