This week, we turn our attention to Ireland, a country increasingly recognised for its commitment to sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon future. Irish companies are playing a significant role in this transformation, driven by a combination of government legislation, international standards, and corporate responsibility. Ireland has implemented a range of progressive policies, including the Climate Action Plan and the Climate Act 2021, which set legally binding targets to cut emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
A landscape view of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. AI generated picture.
A notable initiative supporting this transition is the Business Working Together for a Low Carbon Future report, which highlights the steps being taken by leading Irish businesses toward decarbonisation. According to this report, 70 Irish companies have now signed the Low Carbon Pledge, a marked increase from 47 companies in 2019. This growth underscores the increasing momentum among Irish businesses in addressing nature conservation. Companies from sectors such as professional services, agribusiness, and financial services are leading the charge, committing to reduce their carbon footprints through Science-Based Targets (SBTs).
In fact, 70% of the pledge signatories are on track to set SBTs by 2024, with 41% already having established and approved targets, and another 29% formally committed to doing so. These companies are working to measure their entire carbon footprint, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, aligning with the Paris Agreement and the latest findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The goal is clear: to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Read more: Reforestation and afforestation projects around the world: success stories and lessons learned
The importance of this work cannot be overstated, particularly in light of recent global challenges. In response, Irish companies are not only embracing sustainability for environmental reasons but also recognising its critical role in ensuring energy security and long-term economic stability.
This blog highlights some of the companies at the forefront of Ireland’s sustainability journey, demonstrating how their efforts contribute to this national and global mission.
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1. Coffeeangel: compensating carbon and enhancing biodiversity through nature-based credits
Sustainability commitment
Coffeeangel, a Dublin-based coffee group, is demonstrating how small businesses can make a significant impact on the environment. Through a unique partnership with Irish clean-tech company Bionua, Coffeeangel has committed to purchasing carbon units that not only compensate for their emissions but also include biodiversity co-benefits.
Close-up of a coffee tree with a coffee plantation in the background. AI generated picture.
These units, valued at over €200 per unit, are a strategic investment to address nature restoration while simultaneously enhancing Ireland’s natural ecosystems. Coffeeangel has pledged 5% of its profits over the next five years to acquire these units, showing a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability despite being a relatively small player in the business world.
These units are peer-reviewed and independently verified by the German-based Control Union, ensuring that the carbon sequestration and biodiversity gains are transparent and scientifically validated. This rigorous monitoring system adds an extra layer of credibility to the carbon units, making it clear that Coffeeangel’s investment is producing measurable, real-world benefits.
Impact at Dunsany Nature Reserve
The carbon units purchased by Coffeeangel directly support conservation efforts at Dunsany Nature Reserve, a 300-hectare rewilding site located just 35 kilometres from Dublin. This initiative focuses on the dual goals of carbon capture and habitat restoration. In its first year alone, the project aims to remove and store a minimum of 80,000 kilograms of carbon from the atmosphere, while also creating biodiverse habitats that support local wildlife. The reserve will serve as a carbon sink and a place where local communities can enjoy new public amenities, blending environmental and social benefits.
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Long-term vision
Coffeeangel’s commitment to compensating for its emissions through the Dunsany Nature Reserve is not a one-time effort. The company has entered into a rolling five-year agreement, with the potential to extend this partnership for up to 20 years. This long-term vision reflects Coffeeangel’s dedication to making a sustained environmental impact. By aligning its business strategy with rewilding and carbon capture projects, Coffeeangel is positioning itself as a leader in corporate responsibility, contributing to the broader goal of restoring Ireland’s native ecosystems and supporting nature restoration.
This initiative is a powerful example of how businesses, no matter their size, can contribute to nature-based solutions that address both environmental and biodiversity crises.
2. FoodCloud: tackling food waste and food insecurity through technology and collaboration
Background and founders
FoodCloud was founded by Iseult Ward and Aoibheann O’Brien. Their shared passion for reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity led to the creation of FoodCloud, a non-profit social enterprise that redistributes surplus food from businesses to communities in need. What started as a small-scale project quickly gained momentum, and by 2013, FoodCloud had grown into a technology-driven solution that now operates across multiple countries, including Ireland, the UK, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Close-up of a rye field. AI generated picture.
Sustainability and social impact
FoodCloud plays a crucial role in addressing two global challenges: food waste and hunger. By working with over 200 food industry partners and 650 charity partners, FoodCloud redistributes surplus food to those who need it most, thus reducing food insecurity while preventing waste. In 2021 alone, the organisation redistributed 16,380 tonnes of surplus food, which contributed to a reduction of 52,416 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. This dual impact—feeding vulnerable communities and reducing emissions—positions FoodCloud as a leader in the circular economy.
On the 4th UN International Day of Food Loss and Waste, FoodCloud’s participation in key projects and events highlighted its ongoing efforts to reduce food waste. For instance, through the Department of Agriculture’s Growers' Project, FoodCloud rescued surplus produce from Irish growers, redistributing it to community organisations. In 2023, the project is set to recover 60 tonnes of surplus produce, with plans to scale up this initiative further.
The technology-driven model
At the core of FoodCloud’s operations is a robust technology platform that connects food donors, such as retailers and producers, with charities that can use the surplus food. The organisation’s newly launched carbon calculator, funded by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency, adds another dimension to its tech-driven model. This tool allows FoodCloud to calculate the carbon footprint of its activities more accurately, ensuring that food industry partners can meet their ESG reporting requirements while tracking the environmental benefits of food donations.
Read more: Bar Company: the sustainable caterer committed to environmental and social impact
Looking ahead
FoodCloud’s vision is ambitious yet achievable. The organisation aims to redistribute half of Ireland’s surplus food by 2030, aligning with the global targets set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which calls for a 50% reduction in food waste by that year. With only 75 months left until 2030, FoodCloud is working diligently to scale its operations, improve technology, and deepen partnerships with food producers, retailers, and community organisations. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that no good food goes to waste, while simultaneously supporting carbon reduction and sustainability.
3. The Naked Collective: transparent beverages for health and the planet
Mission and vision
The Naked Collective, founded by Catherina Butler and Niall Phelan, was born from a desire to create a beverage company that prioritises both human health and environmental sustainability. The founders, as parents, wanted to offer drinks they would feel confident giving their children—beverages free from harmful ingredients, yet packed with natural goodness. Their vision is to lead the beverage industry in transparency, offering products that are simple, sustainable, and impactful. At the heart of this mission is the goal to drive positive change by aligning the needs of people and the planet.
Fruits floating in water. AI generated picture.
Commitment to sustainability
From the outset, sustainability has been a core pillar of The Naked Collective’s operations. The company is carbon-neutral, using only plant-based ingredients and recyclable packaging and focusing on creating products that are both good for the body and for the environment. In their pursuit of a closed-loop system, The Naked Collective partnered with the Every Can Counts initiative, which aims to ensure that 100% of drink cans are recycled. As the first drinks brand in Ireland to join this programme, they are committed to reducing waste and promoting the infinite recyclability of aluminium cans.
Every aspect of their production process reflects a commitment to the environment, from sourcing sustainably farmed ingredients to minimising their carbon footprint.
Products with purpose
The Naked Collective's product lines—Mude and So.Beer—are carefully crafted to promote health and wellbeing while minimising environmental impact. The Mude range consists of functional wellness beverages and So.Beer is a non-alcoholic beer brewed to retain natural nutrients.
These beverages are designed to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers, particularly in response to the growing demand for products that offer functional benefits. With low sugar content, minimal calories, and natural ingredients, The Naked Collective’s drinks stand out as products that nourish both the body and the planet.
Consumer shift
The Naked Collective has positioned itself to meet the rising demand for healthier, sustainable beverage options among Millennials and Generation Z. These consumers, who are projected to make up 46% of the market by 2026, are not only looking for products that align with their values but are also willing to spend more on brands that prioritise health and eco-friendliness. In the post-COVID world, where 64% of consumers are now more focused on their health, The Naked Collective’s transparent approach and mission-driven products are increasingly resonating with this audience.
As a company that prioritises planetary regeneration, The Naked Collective is committed to more than just producing beverages—they are driving a movement toward responsible consumption, healthier lifestyles, and a greener planet.
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This shift is not only changing the beverage landscape but also setting a new standard for sustainability across industries, proving that businesses can succeed while staying true to their environmental and social values.
4. Glen Dimplex: Low-Carbon Technology and Empowering Sustainability
Company overview
Glen Dimplex, founded over 50 years ago, has established itself as a global leader in low-carbon electric heating, ventilation, and precision cooling solutions. As one of the largest privately owned manufacturing companies in Ireland, Glen Dimplex is recognised for its innovation in energy-efficient technologies. With a diverse portfolio spanning several industries, the company has consistently prioritised sustainability as a core element of its business strategy, creating solutions that not only meet consumer needs but also reduce the environmental impact.
A part of a house with a tree and the sun in the background. AI generated picture.
Sustainability framework: empower now strategy
Glen Dimplex’s approach to sustainability is encapsulated in its ‘Empower Now’ strategy, which outlines the company’s commitment to reducing the negative impact of its business activities on the planet. This strategy is built around five key pillars: transforming products, rethinking resources, empowering people, partnering for success, and laying solid foundations for the future. Through these initiatives, Glen Dimplex is transforming its product range to be more energy-efficient, while also focusing on sustainable resource management in its operations. Partnerships with suppliers, industry stakeholders, and customers further amplify their impact, driving collective progress toward a low-carbon future.
Net-zero commitment
Glen Dimplex is also making significant strides toward its goal of becoming a net-zero carbon business by 2050. This long-term commitment is not just about reducing the company’s carbon footprint but also about leading the way in the energy transition. Glen Dimplex continues to invest in research and development to create products that align with global environmental goals, while steadily reducing emissions across its operations. The company has already made notable progress and remains on track to meet its net-zero targets, contributing to the broader global effort to support nature restoration.
As part of its ongoing progress, Glen Dimplex is actively reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (direct emissions from owned sources and indirect emissions from purchased energy). Additionally, the company is increasingly focusing on Scope 3 emissions, which include all other indirect emissions throughout its value chain.
Community impact
Glen Dimplex believes that empowering people is a critical element of achieving sustainability. The company fosters an inclusive work culture, investing in employee wellbeing and encouraging sustainable thinking across all levels of the business. Through training, education, and collaboration, Glen Dimplex empowers its workforce to contribute to the company’s sustainability mission, ensuring that employees feel engaged and motivated to make a difference.
Moreover, Glen Dimplex extends its influence beyond its workforce by collaborating with local communities, customers, and stakeholders to promote sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that Glen Dimplex’s sustainability initiatives not only benefit the company but also contribute to the wellbeing of society at large.
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5. Bank of Ireland: pioneering nature-based funding for carbon sequestration and biodiversity
Overview of the initiative
The Bank of Ireland has taken an innovative step toward addressing nature conservation and biodiversity loss through the creation of the Woodland Nature Credit, a nature-based funding instrument designed to support large-scale afforestation projects across Ireland. This financial product enables companies to invest in the creation of non-commercial native woodlands, while simultaneously receiving carbon units that account for both carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement. The first tranche of this initiative, announced in partnership with Coillte and Forestry Partners, marks a significant step forward in leveraging corporate investment to drive environmental restoration.
Aerial view of an Irish forest. AI generated picture.
Collaboration and partners
The success of the Woodland Nature Credit relies on the collaboration between the Bank of Ireland, Coillte (Ireland’s state forestry company), and Forestry Partners, a carbon-compensating social enterprise. This partnership was officially launched with AXA Ireland’s investment of €2 million, which will finance the planting of 600,000 native trees. This investment will create biodiverse habitats, sequester carbon, and provide public recreational spaces across Ireland. The trees will be planted and managed by Coillte and Forestry Partners, ensuring that the environmental benefits are realised while supporting the overall goal of expanding Ireland’s native woodlands.
Sustainability and reporting compliance
In line with the European Union's sustainability regulations, the Woodland Nature Credit is fully compliant with the EU Taxonomy and the upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These regulations set clear standards for classifying sustainable activities and require companies to disclose their environmental and social impact. Through the Woodland Nature Credit, businesses can transparently report on the carbon sequestration, biodiversity uplifts, and public amenities created by their investments. The units are designed to meet the highest standards of verification, ensuring that all environmental and social benefits are auditable and aligned with corporate sustainability reporting requirements.
Read more: Aligning with CSRD: the smart move for future-proofing your business
Environmental and social impact
The Woodland Nature Credit offers a dual benefit for the environment and local communities. In terms of carbon sequestration, the native woodlands planted through this initiative will remove and store significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. Additionally, the creation of biodiverse habitats will support a wide range of flora and fauna, helping to restore Ireland’s natural ecosystems.
Scaling up these nature-based solutions is crucial in the global effort to tackle environmental challenges and biodiversity loss. The Woodland Nature Credit offers a scalable model that can be adopted by businesses of all sizes, allowing them to make a meaningful contribution to environmental restoration while meeting their sustainability targets.
Corporate leadership and responsibility
Paul Flynn, Chief Operating Officer of Markets at the Bank of Ireland, expressed pride in the bank’s role in developing this innovative financial product, stating that the scaling of nature-based solutions will be critical in addressing biodiversity loss. Coillte CEO Imelda Hurley echoed this sentiment, emphasising that businesses of all sizes have a role to play in addressing the environmental emergency by supporting afforestation efforts.
By launching the Woodland Nature Credit, the Bank of Ireland is setting a strong example of corporate leadership in sustainability and connecting corporate investment with nature-based solutions that deliver real-world environmental benefits. This initiative not only demonstrates the bank’s commitment to the green transition but also offers a clear pathway for other companies to contribute to afforestation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity enhancement in a way that is both measurable and impactful.
Read more: The power of DGB Group’s high-quality carbon projects in Kenya
Supporting nature-based solutions with DGB Group
The sustainability efforts of companies like FoodCloud, The Naked Collective, Glen Dimplex, Coffeeangel, and the Bank of Ireland reflect a shared commitment to addressing the environmental challenges we face today. Each of these organisations in Ireland has taken meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon footprints, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions. From redistributing surplus food and creating transparent, healthy beverages, to pioneering low-carbon technologies and nature-based financial instruments, these companies are making an impact in ways that align with broader global sustainability goals.
Drone picture of a tree nursery in Kenya. Hongera Reforestation Project, DGB.
At DGB Group, we believe nature-based solutions are essential in addressing environmental and biodiversity crises. Our projects focus on large-scale reforestation, afforestation, and energy-efficient cookstove efforts that not only support nature restoration but also provide socio-economic benefits to local communities. By restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and creating sustainable livelihoods, our holistic approach ensures that the positive impacts of our work endure for generations.
Read more: What makes DGB’s reforestation projects unique?
Through our nature-based initiatives, DGB is dedicated to creating high-quality carbon units that empower businesses to compensate for their emissions while supporting long-term environmental sustainability. We invite you to explore the opportunities DGB offers, whether through measuring and reducing your carbon footprint or by compensating for unavoidable emissions with our verified carbon units. Our nature-based solutions provide a pathway for businesses and individuals to align with global sustainability standards and make a tangible, positive impact on the world.
Together, we can build a sustainable and prosperous future, not only for the environment but also for communities across the globe. By measuring and compensating for your carbon footprint with DGB, you are joining us in the mission to restore nature, uplift communities, and create a healthier, more resilient planet for all.
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