Enterprise Ireland programme is centred around UN Sustainable Development Goals
Global climate challenges require action from everyone, and business leaders have an important contribution to make.
As well as it being the right thing to do, there is also an increased focus on addressing regulatory compliance requirements, as well as meeting the expectations of customers, partners and employees.
Many investors are re-orienting towards greener businesses
For those interested in being the sustainability lead for their organisation, the Sustainability Leaders Programme can equip them with the knowledge and capability to drive change effectively within their business.
The programme has been developed in partnership by Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to help build sustainable business capabilities in Ireland.
To date, more than 100 Irish business chiefs have completed this fully subsidised programme, which involves six two-hour workshops over 12 weeks.
The programme has been designed to enable Enterprise Ireland client companies drive environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance within their business.
While there are responsibilities, regulatory compliance issues and expectations as an organisation, learning how to run a business more sustainably also makes financial sense.
As investors re-orient towards greener businesses, Irish companies must raise their ambition and make the most of the opportunities open to them.
Centred on UN Sustainable Development Goals, the programme helps broaden the understanding of the idea itself – going beyond energy use, to include water, waste, biodiversity, human rights and more.
Up to 30 business leaders participate in each course, and get the chance to deep dive into what sustainability means for their own organisations.
Each individual emerges from the programme with a sustainability charter for their business. This charter includes relevant KPIs and is designed to act as a year-long sustainability roadmap.
Each participant presents their charter to their fellow participants and the programme lead to get feedback, but also to the senior leadership team where they work.
Up to 30 business leaders participate in each course
Those who complete the programme typically become the sustainability lead for their organisation.
Businesses that are not so advanced in their sustainability journey, or firms which are not yet Enterprise Ireland clients, can avail of a three-hour online Sustainability Kickstarter workshop before or instead of applying to the Sustainability Leaders Programme.
For those interested in further sustainability learning and skills development, Enterprise Ireland is developing a detailed training directory that will capture the extent of the sustainability training landscape, and EI-supported companies can secure funding for related training from approved external providers.
The next Sustainability Leaders Programme will take place in September and October. To apply, contact your Enterprise Ireland development adviser or email Joanne.Sheahan@enterprise-ireland.com.
Joanne Sheahan is a senior executive on the sustainability and renewable energy team at EI
