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Supporting STEM programmes, cutting carbon emissions and creating a cleaner transport service are among the goals set by Gas Networks Ireland.

Gas Networks Ireland, part of the Ervia Group, owns, builds and maintains the country’s natural gas network, connecting over 688,000 homes and businesses to a safe, efficient and secure supply of natural gas. The company, which employs over 520 people, is committed to growth, innovation and sustainability and holds the Business Working Responsibly Mark for responsible and sustainable business practices.

The organisation’s Corporate Responsibility strategy is managed, delivered and measured across the pillars of Marketplace, Environment, Community, Workplace and Governance, and Communications.

Committed to STEM

Gas Networks Ireland delivers a number of nationwide community programmes focusing on the areas of education and employability. Science, technology, engineering and maths are at the core of the business so they also support a number of STEM-related educational programmes. Gas Networks Ireland recently launched Energize, a new nationwide science programme for 6th class students, delivered in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland and will be delivered to over 5,000 students nationwide each year.

Community Impact

• The company supported 92 community initiatives in 2017.
• Students spent 37,560 hours learning on Gas Networks Ireland educational programmes in 2017.
• In 2017, 1 in 4 employees volunteered on community programmes, with a total of 1,500 volunteer hours.
• The company donated 4,500 carbon monoxide alarms to Age Action.

Low Carbon Economy

Gas Networks Ireland is considered to be one of the leading members of the Business in the Community network. As part of this leader network, Gas Networks Ireland contributes to a cross industry working group on The Transition to a Low Carbon Economy with other leading companies. Gas Networks Ireland has recently committed to reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 50% by 2030 as part of a Low Carbon Pledge developed by the working group.

Renewable Gas and Transport

Gas Networks Ireland is committed to delivering 20% renewable gas on the network by 2030, and will be introducing renewable gas into the Irish network later in 2018. Renewable gas is made from agricultural waste, grass and other waste feedstocks.

In Association with

The launch of renewable gas (biomethane) in Ireland offers a real opportunity for a cleaner transport service. Gas Networks Ireland is currently constructing a network of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations around Ireland – these can deliver both CNG and renewable gas. The network will provide the ability to shift straight from diesel to a carbon neutral alternative.

According to Ian O’Flynn, Head of Commercial, Gas Networks Ireland: “Ireland’s journey to a low carbon economy has begun and natural gas is driving it forward. Natural gas is already providing secure and cleaner energy that allows us to develop wind and other unpredictable renewables. This year, Gas Networks Ireland will take the next step on the journey, launching carbon neutral renewable gas. By 2030, 20% of the gas used in Ireland will be renewable. This new energy source will reduce our emissions, increase our energy independence and create a new source of jobs and income for rural communities, with Irish farms providing the feedstock for the gas. Renewable gas will energise our homes, our businesses and our public transport and commercial vehicles. The next decade will see transformation in our energy system and our natural gas network will be at the heart of that change.”

Photo: Ian O’Flynn (right), Head of Commercial,  Jonathan McCrea (left), Junior Achievement CEO Helen Raftery and students Sean Gahan, Kathleen Duffy and Chloe Wheatley from Mother of Divine Grace Primary School in Finglas, Dublin