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Gas Networks Ireland supports education and biodiversity in the communities where it operates.
Gas Networks Ireland owns, operates and maintains the country’s natural gas network, connecting over 700,000 homes and businesses to a safe and secure supply of natural gas. In 2018, Gas Networks Ireland was recertified to the Business Working Responsibility mark for the third consecutive time and is one of only 33 companies to hold it. The mark is testament to the value that the company places on sustainability and its commitment to playing an active role in the communities where it operates.
Inspiring the Engineers and Scientists of the Future
Gas Networks Ireland is committed to supporting STEM initiatives, with the long-term goal of encouraging primary school students to pursue STEM subjects in secondary school and STEM-related careers. The organisation sponsors the STEM programme, Energize, delivered in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland in primary schools nationwide. The programme reached over 5,000 6th class students in 19 counties in the 2018/2019 academic year. Energize is an immersive, learn-by-doing programme that teaches students about the fundamentals of science. Gas Networks Ireland also supports literacy, employability, leadership development and business advice programmes in the community.
Committed to Sustainable Business Practices
In May, along with other leaders from Europe, Gas Networks Ireland supported the New Deal for Europe, a call to action to accelerate sustainable growth, tackle climate change and create inclusive prosperity for all. Addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions are key priorities for Gas Networks Ireland. By 2030, the organisation aims to have 20% renewable gas on the national gas network.
Along with other leading Irish companies, Gas Networks Ireland signed the Low Carbon Pledge, committing to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Gas Networks Ireland’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions were featured as one of four case studies in the inaugural Low Carbon Report, published by Business in the Community Ireland and PwC in June. In July, Gas Networks Ireland published its first Sustainability Report, tracking its efforts across the three pillars of sustainability – Social, Environment and Economic – in 2018.
In Association with
Supporting Biodiversity
Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland was announced as one of 14 founding members of the Irish Business and Biodiversity Platform, making a commitment in the ‘Our Seeds for Nature’ charter to protect nature and biodiversity. As a supporter of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, Gas Networks Ireland has identified that its large asset base is ideal for creating a network of pollinator-friendly habitats.
So far, biodiversity enhancement measures including wild flower planting, bird boxes and reducing the use of pesticides have been implemented in the Cork and Dublin offices, and nine gas stations. Gas Networks Ireland actively engages with the local community to increase awareness of biodiversity, delivering biodiversity workshops in primary schools and collaborating with Cork City Council to install a large insect hotel in Shalom Park, next to Cork HQ.
Employees have also participated in internal workshops and nature walks to learn more about biodiversity on their doorstep. This year, as part of a pilot initiative, two beehives were installed at one of the company’s gas stations. Managed by employees from the Operations team, the first batch of honey is expected this summer.
Photo: In 2019, Gas Networks Ireland announced a new three-year partnership with Inner City Enterprise, which partners organisations with start-up businesses to provide advice and assistance. A team of employee mentors will provide advice to the Grow Dome, a sustainability project based in DCU. Pictured (l-r) are Corporate Responsibility Manager, Julie O’Donoghue; Corporate Affairs Manager, Louise Browne; Evanne Kilmurray, CEO of ICE; and Niall O’Brien, Grow Dome founder.
