The link between sustainability and profitability is increasingly influencing corporate strategies. As companies embrace this agenda, it’s vital they engage with all stakeholders to create a more resilient and sustainable business.
2025 Spring Agenda
The state of sustainability in 2025
8:50am
OPENING ADDRESS:
How the tide is turning towards sustainability in Irish businesses
Partner & Sustainability Services Lead, EY
The politics of climate change
9:05am
INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE:
Climate action at the crossroads
The shift to a global net zero economy has begun, but strong policies are needed to accelerate the transition and reap the benefits. More governments and companies are making net-zero commitments, but those decarbonisation targets must now be turned into tangible action. David will also reflect on the potential impact of the US’s withdrawal again from the Paris Agreement and its potential to slow down international cooperation
9:25am
Ireland’s changing climate and how we prepare for it
Head of Climate Services, Met Éireann
9:40am
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Outlook for Ireland’s emissions reductions: What does the government need to do to meet our GHG reduction targets?
Managed Services Country Lead, HP Ireland
Member of CCAC and it's Adaptation Committee & Advisor on sustainable and alternative finance
Architect and Urban Planner, MEP for Dublin 2019-2024
Director of Business Development, Greenbelt Ltd.
Advancements in ESG regulation
10:10am
The impact of the EU Omnibus package on sustainability
What existing legislation does it propose to amend? What does this mean for businesses preparing for sustainability reporting? What steps should businesses be taking now?
ESG & Sustainability Lead, A&L Goodbody
10:25am
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Insights on CSRD reporting…
Our panel of sustainability professionals share their insights on CSRD reporting… what are their top tips for getting ESG reporting right?
Managing Director, EcoVerify
Head of Sustainability, Energia Group
Head of CSRD Policies & Engagement, Zurich Insurance Group
Head of ESG Governance & Reporting, Glanbia plc
11:00am
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition Viewing
Stream 1: Transition Planning
11:30am
Welcome & Introduction from the Chair
Senior Sustainability Adviser, Business in the Community
11:40am
Developing a credible and impactful climate transition plan: Ambition, Action, Accountability
12:00pm
INVESTOR PANEL:
How financial institutions, investors, and corporates assess the credibility and ambition of transition plans
Co-founder, SustainabilityWorks
ESG Analyst, Irish Life Investment Managers
12:30pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Making climate transition plans work: Across industry experiences
Climate transition plans are critical in ensuring that a realistic, credible net-zero pathway is designed and delivered for a company. Our panellists share how they’re implementing and using transition plans within their organisations.
- Creating good governance to deliver credible plans
- Aligning transition plans with corporate reporting standards
- Financing and transition planning
- Establishing a baseline for best practice decarbonisation pathways
- Strategies for ongoing planning and evidencing
- Establishing climate risk monitoring practices
- Capturing relevant data
- Dealing with their emissions within their pathway to net zero
Head of Sustainability, Glenveagh Properties
Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer, Bus Éireann
Sustainability Reporting Lead, Bank of Ireland Group
Stream 2: Redefining business models through Circularity
11:30am
Welcome from the Chair
Head of Circular Economy, Irish Manufacturing Research, Circular Economy Lead, Circuléire
11:35am
KEYNOTE:
What are the advantages of circular businesses?
How the circular economy can move your business forward
Partner and Chief Impact Officer at Regeneration.VC, the Netherlands
11:55am
CASE STUDIES
The Circular Economy in action
- How HaPPE Earth is revolutionising healthcare with compostable PPE and cost-saving, eco-friendly, end-to-end waste management for a cleaner future
- How Arcology Systems is unlocking the circular economy within commercial real estate
- Bean Around, an award-winning sustainable and affordable soap company
- Sustainability in motion at Irish Rail
Founding Executive Director, Arcology System LTD
Founder, HaPPE Earth
Co-Founder & CEO, Bean Around
Operations Environmental & Sustainability Manager, Iarnród Éireann
12:30pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
The challenges of unlocking the business opportunity and scaling up the circular economy
There is a growing realisation that there will be no net-zero without a circular economy:
- What are the obstacles we need to overcome to scale up circular businesses?
- How do we get there from here?
- What policy and regulation levers will help drive the circular economy?
- What will the world look like when its circular?
- How to bring consumers on your circular journey
Circular Economy and Resources Lead, Arup Europe
CEO, Repak
CEO, EnergyCloud
Public Policy & Government Relations Manager, Pringles
CEO & Founder, Harley & Marley
Stream 3: Driving the future of sustainable supply chains
11:30am
Welcome & Introduction from the Chair
Managing Director, Goodbody Clearstream
11:40am
FIRESIDE CHAT:
From ESG to competitive sustainability – driving meaningful change to your value chain
Julia and Ellie discuss the business case for investing in up and downstream sustainability efforts, how data can inform decision-making and how sustainability teams should move away from a compliance mindset if they want to generate business value
Managing Director, Position Green
Head of Sustainability, Suir Engineering
12:00pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Decarbonisation in the supply chain
Our panel explores Scope 3, data and decarbonisation strategy plus harnessing data and tech to power sustainable supply chains
Partner & Sustainability Technology Lead, EY
Sustainability Manager, PJ Hegarty Building Contractors
Head of Sustainability, Jones Engineering
12:30pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
The future of sustainable supply chains
Chaired by Kate Behan, our panel explores responsible sourcing implementation, supplier engagement and tools
Global Head of Procurement & ESG, Hanley Energy
Head of Supply Chain, Ei Electronics
Scientist | Strategist | Consultant
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing Manager
1:05pm
Networking Lunch Break & Exhibition Viewing
Skills for today’s business leaders
2:10pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
Sustainability capabilities for today’s business leaders
Business leaders in Ireland are placing increased focus on becoming more sustainable but require clarity on the skills and new forms of leadership needed. What are the skills needed to drive sustainable change and effectively implement sustainable practices in organisations?
Associate Professor, School of Business, Maynooth University
Senior Sustainability Advisor, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI)
Managing Director, Goodbody Clearstream
2:45pm
Where do consumers sit on the issue of sustainability?
And what are their expectations of brands & businesses when it comes to communicating and delivering on sustainability objectives?
Director, RED C Research & Marketing
3:00pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
What strategies can today’s business leaders employ to build momentum for sustainable change?
Founder & CEO, CG Business Consulting
CEO, Airfield Estate
Head of Corporate Sustainability, Bord na Móna
Sustainability Consultant, Earthology
3:35pm