Irish L&D: Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility

Are Irish Learning & Development (L&D) initiatives set to become key to corporate sustainability in Ireland?

In today’s fast-changing business world, making sustainability a part of Irish L&D is a must. Skillnet Ireland, along with Green Tech Skillnet and L&D Skillnet, is leading the way. They aim to teach and empower businesses across Ireland with sustainable learning. As we follow the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Ireland’s corporate responsibility is getting clearer and more accountable.

Look at the big steps forward by groups like the Central Bank of Ireland and Aurion. The Central Bank cut down plastic use by about 900 kg with reusable metal containers for coins. Aurion has given over 100 volunteer hours a year and won many awards for their work in the community and for the environment.

Key Takeaways

• Adding sustainability to Irish L&D is key for future business success.
• Skillnet Ireland, with partners like Green Tech Skillnet, is teaching companies about the CSRD.
• Corporate responsibility in Ireland is getting more open and meets global ESG standards.
• The Central Bank of Ireland saved 900 kg of plastic by using sustainable methods.
• Aurion’s big volunteering and community work shows their CSR commitment.
• Both groups show how sustainable learning leads to real, effective actions.

The Role of ESG Reporting in Irish L&D

ESG reporting is now key in Ireland, especially in Learning and Development (L&D) fields. It’s vital to understand the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This has led to a focus on how ESG strategies work, report, and share results with stakeholders. A workshop by Skillnet Ireland, with Green Tech Skillnet and L&D Skillnet, will teach these topics.

Understanding the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

The CSRD sets new standards for ESG reporting in Europe. It tells large companies how to share info on their social and environmental actions. For Irish businesses, following CSRD means being more open and caring for the environment. Energia Group, aiming to cut its carbon intensity by 50% by 2030, shows how CSRD can lead to big changes.

How ESG Strategies Are Developed and Reported

Creating and sharing ESG strategies requires knowing how a company works and what stakeholders want. SEI Investments grew a lot thanks to its strong ESG efforts. In 2022, it made $1,991,037 in revenue, up 4% from before, and saw a 13% jump in profits. This shows a link between good ESG practices and doing well financially. SEI also looks after about $1.2 trillion in assets, proving the value of detailed ESG reporting.

Communicating ESG Importance to Stakeholders

Good stakeholder engagement means being clear and active. Companies need to show why ESG matters to everyone. Energia Group’s €3bn renewable energy program is a great example of this. By working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and training employees, companies can build a strong sustainability culture.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Irish L&D

In the Irish Learning and Development (L&D) sector, focusing on sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is key. CSR in Ireland covers many areas, from environmental awareness to helping the community. These efforts are deeply woven into business strategies.

Environmental Awareness in Business Practices

Environmental sustainability is a big part of CSR in Ireland, especially in L&D. Companies are now setting science-based targets to reach ‘net zero’ carbon emissions. This shows their commitment to the planet and matches the global push for greener businesses.

Recent data shows a big push for environmental training in Irish companies. About 70% of them include sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility in their training. This covers both new hires and ongoing training.

Employee Training on Sustainability

Teaching employees is key to good sustainability strategies. In Ireland, this means detailed training on environmental awareness and sustainable actions. Programs like “BeWell” focus on physical, emotional, and financial wellness. This helps employees understand sustainability in a complete way.

The table below shows how Irish companies are training their employees on sustainability:

Community Engagement Programs

Community engagement is a big part of CSR in Ireland. Many companies work with others to boost employee volunteering and support for the community. Programs like “GT in the Community” show how this works, building value with local areas. About 50% of companies have volunteer programs and work with others to support these efforts.

Also, Gen Z and millennials, making up 75% of employees, want to work for companies with strong social and environmental goals. This highlights the importance of real community involvement.

Putting together environmental training, good training for employees, and strong community support is key to Corporate Social Responsibility in Irish L&D.

Integrating ESG & Sustainability into L&D Programs

Irish Learning & Development programs now include Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. They aim to build a strong sustainability culture in L&D. This matches the company’s main goals.

Case Studies: Effective ESG Integration

Some companies are great examples of how to blend ESG into their business. They focus on ethical practices, leading to big wins for the environment and operations:

• 88% of CIPD members think it’s key for companies to be sustainable.
• Closing the London office on Fridays cut electricity and gas use by 15%.
• Switching to quarterly People Management magazine print saved a lot of paper.
• Going online with membership cut paper use by 1.5 tonnes a year.

Promoting Ethical Business Practices

It’s vital to promote ethical practices in businesses to meet ESG goals. Cutting carbon emissions by 19% since 2020/21 is a big step forward. Here are some ways to do this:

1. Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Closing offices on certain days lowered energy use by 15%.
2. Digital Transformation: Going digital cut paper use by 1.5 tonnes a year.

Building a Culture of Sustainability

Creating a sustainability culture in L&D takes careful planning and ongoing work. Key steps include:

“Switching to quarterly magazine printing and online services shows how to be sustainable.”

• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Even with a rise in carbon emissions at the UK office, efforts cut Scope 1 emissions by 15% and Scope 2 emissions by 23%.
• Focus on Water and Energy Usage: Despite more water use, efforts reduced electricity and gas use by 15% each.

By adopting these sustainable practices, companies can build a lasting sustainability culture in L&D. This supports their ESG goals and corporate social responsibility.

Developing Sustainable People Practices

Thanks to Skillnet Ireland funding, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) in Ireland is boosting people professionals’ roles. They aim to build responsible and sustainable organizations. Let’s dive into the key frameworks and initiatives that are changing the future of work. These focus on upskilling people professionals, making the workplace more diverse, and improving health and wellbeing in learning and development.

Framework for Upskilling People Professionals

The CIPD teamed up with experts to create a detailed framework for upskilling people professionals. This framework has five key pillars:

• Workforce for the Future: Getting employees ready for changing job needs.
• People Practices and Processes: Making sure HR functions are top-notch.
• Culture, Leadership, and Strategy: Building a culture that supports sustainability.
• Governance, Risk, and Regulation: Reducing risks and following rules.
• Communities and Social Impact: Boosting social responsibility efforts.

This framework is backed by a guide for putting it into action. It also has a one-page charter that outlines the priorities and role of the people function.

Creating Inclusive and Diverse Workplaces

Building inclusive and diverse workplaces is crucial for a sustainable workforce. Diversity brings different perspectives and experiences, leading to new ideas and better employee engagement. To promote inclusivity, companies offer regular training, awareness programs, and a strict no-discrimination policy. This makes sure every employee feels valued and supported.

Health and Wellbeing Programs

Health and wellbeing are key to sustainable people practices. Companies like Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) are leading by promoting healthy living and sustainable habits. For example, IES celebrates Earth Day with activities like eating plant-based food and has flexible work models to help employees balance work and life. Surveys show that employees are driven by their efforts to help the planet, showing the link between wellbeing and caring for the environment.

Here’s a closer look at IES’s health and wellbeing programs:

Conclusion

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are now key in Irish learning and development (L&D). Companies aim to follow ESG rules and reach sustainable goals in L&D. This affects both their culture and the well-being of society.

Groups like Skillnet Ireland and CIPD show how to bring sustainability into their work. They use community programs to show they care for ethics and the planet. Combining talent and L&D helps companies get the right people and grow them, making a positive impact on society.

About 94% of employees say career development makes them want to stay with their company. Focusing on skills like leadership and communication is more important than ever. With 77% of HR directors in Ireland worried about talent shortages and 55% of businesses facing a digital talent gap, using sustainable people practices is crucial. This approach helps companies follow ESG rules and be ready for the future job market.

Source Links

• CSR Annual Report 2021
• CSR and ESG at Aurion Learning
• PDF
• PDF
• Why HR has a significant role to play in ESG activities
• Understanding CSR
• A Million Chances | Speexx
• CIPD | Our commitment to sustainability
• CIPD | The CIPD and Skillnet Ireland launch sustainable people practices framework
• CIPD | Bringing sustainability and people profession practices down to earth
• Microsoft Word – Learning and Development and the Adaptive Workforce
• Convergence of Talent Acquisition and L&D
• PDF