Ireland has recently launched its Climate Action Plan which has legally committed to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas emission target by no later than 2050 and an overall reduction of 51% by 2030.
Achieving this goal requires a major shift of focus for companies throughout all industry sectors to move towards a more sustainable future through all aspects of their operations from infrastructure to processes.
No matter the size of the company, big, small, or in between everyone is expected to play their part towards contributing to a more carbon-free society. The problem for both the business world and wider society is that these gases are being emitted through everyday ordinary human activities and while it is technically and technologically feasible to achieve this goal, we have to continuously contribute to offsetting the level of harmful gases being emitted into the environment.
While there are core challenges to address, our future net-zero initiatives have created an immense amount of potential opportunities for corporate growth, technological advancement, job creation, and potential transformative initiatives to name just a few. The Irish government has already committed the sum of €165 billion to our National Development Plan (NDP) which involves such activities as retrofitting homes, building sustainable transport channels, upskilling workers, and providing support for our general transition.
With this in mind, here are our 5 tips to help you along your Net-Zero pathway:
1. Establish your Net-Zero Goal
The first step of reducing your company’s emissions is outlining your personal net-zero ambitions and in line with what is currently achievable in your corporate space. When setting this goal, it is important to confer with company stakeholders to gather a joint view of how you can incorporate a more sustainable manifesto into your current operating schedule.
Companies have begun to set their own personal goals that are in line with the governmental 2050 plan. For example, 80% of firms within the Irish financial industry have committed to attaining their net-zero targets before the 2050 deadline, while 14% of those have agreed to reach this goal by 2030.
2. Use Renewables
Ireland is currently one of the most energy-insecure nations in Europe with over half of its fossil fuel consumption being imported with that figure expected to rise closer to 90% before the end of the decade. This is a worrying prediction for Ireland which is already dealing with an energy crisis as costs continue to rise within the country (see more here).
According to Taoiseach, Míchael Martin, Ireland will be aiming to “double-down” on its usage of renewable energy sources in the coming years so this can be the opportunity for your business to get ahead of the curve and begin to implement more sustainable infrastructure into its current operation. While Ireland and Irish businesses fell short of renewable targets last year, predictions outline how such sources are likely to become much more popular in the near future.
3. Invest in Modern Technologies
Along with investing in renewable energy sources, your business can gain a competitive advantage by introducing more modern technologies to improve your current energy usage. The current volatility in energy markets has made it vital to be proactive when it comes to energy procurement, now more so than ever. Depending on market conditions savings of up to 20% of annual energy costs are possible.
Sustainable energy has begun to shape the future of a lot of industries around the globe and continuous technological advancements within the industry are enabling your business to both improve efficiency and cut costs. Whether you are performing an Energy Performance Contract (EPC), committing to lighting upgrades, or installing an Energy Management System, Lawler Group can help you along the way (see more here).
4. Research Available Funding
Our sustainability engineers can help you identify Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) and grant applications for the funding of Alternative Energy Solutions (AES) which results in both benefits for your business and the environment. The SEAI has made grants available to businesses for a variety of energy services (LED Lighting Upgrades, equipment upgrades, & system upgrades).
Along with this, we can also help you to maximise your funding mechanisms such as grant schemes, tax breaks, energy credits, and technology providers to help you along your pathway to Net-Zero ambitions. For more information on this please get in touch with us today!
5. Time to Redesign?
Working closely with our sister company Lawler Sustainability we provide a range of sustainable design services to improve energy performance, health, and wellbeing of the occupants of our buildings, and help you achieve your company’s Net-Zero ambitions.
Our long-standing experience in engineering system design uniquely positions us in putting together pathways for our clients around carbon reduction. Much of this work looks at engineering projects and the integration of renewable technology so we can bring an understanding that many other companies in the energy and sustainability space simply don’t have.
Our mission at Lawler Consulting is to make your buildings more energy-efficient, cost-effective to operate, and sustainable. If you are interested in our energy reduction and Net-Zero solutions, please contact us here.
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