*Retains the title of Green Large Organisation of the Year
After another hugely successful year for its sustainability programme, Gas Networks Ireland was named Green Business of the Year 2021, and for the second year running the national utility also won the Green Large Organisation of the Year at the Green Awards.
Led by Sustainability Manager, Anne Moore, the national network operator has been strong on taking strategic and coordinated action on climate issues.
“We are delighted that the work of our team across Gas Networks Ireland to drive a more sustainable business continues to be recognised. As owners and operators of Ireland’s gas infrastructure on behalf of the people of Ireland, we aim to deliver our services in a sustainable manner that contributes to the protection of the environment while supporting the social and economic development of the communities we operate in, as well as the wider economy,” Ms. Moore said.
“These accolades and awards are an important validation of how we continually improve as a business, how we serve our customers, and the dedication within the organisation to our sustainability journey.”
Among Gas Networks Ireland’s achievements in the last 12 months was attaining a ‘B-‘ in the Carbon Disclosure Platform (CDP) global emissions ratings, exceeding European, global and sector averages to finish in the top quartile of all businesses assessed globally. Gas Networks Ireland exceeded the public sector energy efficiency improvement target by 13% for its offices and fleet energy, achieved a 99% recycling rate across its offices and has reduced its overall carbon footprint by 22% in the last 11 years.
Commenting on the awards win Denis O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Gas Networks Ireland (pictured) said: “Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Gas Networks Ireland and recognition of our commitment to ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. Sustainability at Gas Networks Ireland spans all our day to day activity ensuring we operate our business in the most sustainable way, reducing our emissions and supporting and promoting biodiversity. However, sustainability is also the focal point of our plans to deliver a safe, affordable and carbon neutral energy future for the people of Ireland, through the decarbonisation of the network.”
Mr O’Sullivan, is also co-chair of the Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) Low Carbon Working group, and Gas Networks Ireland has signed up to its Low Carbon Pledge committing to set Science-Based Targets (SBT) by 2024, (i.e. what science says is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C). Gas Networks Ireland’s vision is to replace natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, to substantially reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions while ensuring a secure energy supply. To ensure that the existing gas network is capable of safely transporting and storing hydrogen, Gas Networks Ireland is currently constructing a Hydrogen Innovation Centre in West Dublin. The utility is also helping Ireland move from a linear to a circular economy by supporting the use of waste streams for the production of renewable gas.
Sustainability is about more than just the environment for Gas Networks Ireland, there are also social and economic pillars to its strategy and the work the utility is doing there, particularly from a corporate social responsibility perspective, is also being recognised with awards like the CCA Global Award for Outstanding Community Support during the Covid-19 pandemic. Gas Networks Ireland’s third annual Sustainability Report, which is in line with the Global Standard for Sustainability Reporting will be published shortly.