Title: GreenTechHQ Video Talk Session Chats Businesses Sustainability, Training, CSRD Reporting and More Resource URL: https://greentechhq.com/2024/11/24/greentechhq-video-talk-chats-businesses-sustainability/ Publication Date: 2024-11-24 Format Type: Video Reading Time: 24 minutes Contributors: Donal Quinn;John McGeown;Ed Murphy; Source: GreenTech HQ Keywords: [Sustainability Business Innovation CSRD Reporting Sustainability Roadmap SME Support] Job Profiles: B2B Sales Specialist;Corporate Social Responsibility Manager;Sustainability Manager;Marketing Manager;Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Synopsis: In this video, CEO of GreenTech HQ Ed Murphy, AIB Sector Team's John McGeown, and CEO of ENSO Donal Quinn discuss the importance of business sustainability, training, and CSRD reporting with a focus on providing practical training and tools for implementation. Takeaways: [Effective climate change consulting requires balancing local context, global frameworks, and the ability to communicate complex solutions to diverse stakeholders., Fostering strong interpersonal connections within teams and networks can lead to deeper collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and access to opportunities., Data collection is more than a technical process—it’s a trust-building exercise with communities and a foundation for evidence-based decision-making., Sustainability is evolving into a multi-dimensional concept that integrates digital innovation, social equity, and long-term economic viability., Adapting to climate change demands a blend of grassroots action and high-level advocacy, with consultants often bridging the gap between the two.] Summary: The GreenTechHQ Video Talk session features a discussion on business sustainability, training, and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) reporting with Ed Murphy, John McGeown, and Donal Quinn. The conversation highlights the role of GreenTechHQ as a center of excellence for sustainability, offering a collaborative ecosystem for companies and individuals to engage in sustainable practices. The partnership with AIB is emphasized as a significant step in helping SMEs implement sustainability, which is crucial for their future competitiveness and operational efficiency. The session also covers the importance of a sustainability roadmap, the challenges SMEs face in adopting sustainable practices, and the support provided by GreenTechHQ and its partners to navigate these challenges. The discussion underscores the necessity of sustainability in business, not just as a regulatory requirement but as a strategic advantage. Content: ## Introduction GreenTech HQ recently hosted a video discussion on business sustainability, ESG implementation, and CSRD reporting. The session, moderated by a GreenTech HQ representative, featured three experts: - A senior executive from a leading national bank, responsible for SME sustainability initiatives - The founder and CEO of a sustainability consultancy - The founder and CEO of GreenTech HQ The conversation explored the strategic importance of sustainability for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the mechanics of training and onboarding, and the practical tools required to develop and execute a sustainability roadmap. ## GreenTech HQ: A Centre of Excellence GreenTech HQ operates as a collaboration ecosystem—a cluster and centre of excellence—for organisations, entrepreneurs, and community projects focused on renewable energy, biodiversity, circular economy, and related areas. Key initiatives include: ### Collaboration Space and Cluster Development - A purpose-built facility hosting companies in solar power, offshore wind, energy efficiency, and retrofitting - Partnerships with community stakeholders to foster a living lab for sustainable innovation ### Community Impact Fund - Co-founding a regional Sustainability Impact Fund with a philanthropic partner to finance local community projects ### ESG Advisory Services - Providing hands-on support to help regional businesses integrate ESG principles into corporate governance, energy usage, and talent retention strategies These efforts aim to position the South East as a national leader in sustainability and clean-technology innovation. ## Banking Sector Perspective on SME Sustainability A senior sustainability executive from a major bank described why the partnership with GreenTech HQ is critical: ### Strategic Pillar: Sustainable Communities - The bank has identified sustainable communities as one of its five strategic pillars - With over three million customers, the bank recognises its responsibility to support Ireland’s legally binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 ### SMEs as Economic Lifeline - SMEs drive the national economy but often lack clarity on where to begin their low-carbon transition - GreenTech HQ offers practical, business-owner-led courses and resources that demystify sustainability jargon and focus on actionable steps ### Regional Growth Opportunities - Expansion of the Rosslare Port (from single-digit European sailings in 2018–19 to nearly 40 weekly services), alongside a €200 million investment in port infrastructure - Development of an offshore renewable energy hub with high employment potential - Acquisition of a 55-acre site near the innovation campus to scale green-tech operations These developments underscore the need for a robust ecosystem to support sustainably focused growth in the region. ## Building a Regional Sustainability Cluster The founder of GreenTech HQ, returning to his native region after years abroad, emphasised the South East’s unique assets: - A new electricity interconnector to the United Kingdom - The national Marine Area Regulatory Authority’s regional office - A high concentration of solar-energy firms - An AgriTech innovation hub, and active participation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Full-scale support from the local technological university (SETU) Together with enthusiastic backing from the banking partner, these elements create an ideal environment for a renewable-energy and sustainability centre of excellence. ## Sustainability Training and Onboarding for SMEs GreenTech HQ offers a 12-month Sustainability Impact Business Programme, featuring: 1. **ESG and CSRD Training**: Introductory modules on ESG principles and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements 2. **SaaS Platform Access**: A toolkit for data collection, policy development, goal setting, and progress monitoring 3. **Onboarding Support**: Guided implementation during the first months to ensure real-world application The combination of structured training and a dedicated software platform addresses the common challenge of translating knowledge into practice. ## Consultancy Perspective: Simplifying Sustainability The consultancy CEO outlined the experience of five client SMEs, all customers of the banking partner, including manufacturers of furniture, pallets, beverages, solar-electric systems, and steel components. Key observations: - **Internal Champions**: Typically a marketing, operations, or sales manager dedicates 10 percent of their time to sustainability efforts - **Overwhelm Factor**: Without focused guidance, business owners equate sustainability with an insurmountable workload - **Program Approach**: - **Framework Simplification**: Breaking sustainability into clear steps—strategy, roadmap, data collection, and stakeholder engagement - **Reframing Value**: Positioning sustainability as a driver of marketing differentiation, talent attraction, and supplier/customer relations - **Routine Integration**: Embedding sustainability discussions into weekly or monthly management meetings Early feedback indicates high engagement and tangible benefits, such as new supplier policies and customer-driven sustainability inquiries. ## Time and Resource Considerations Businesses often worry about time and cost investment. The consultancy recommends: - **Incremental Actions**: Start by measuring energy consumption; build on existing community or employee initiatives - **Policy Review**: Identify and document current practices—many companies are already undertaking sustainable activities without realising it - **Communication**: Share small wins with customers, suppliers, and staff to build momentum This phased approach ensures that sustainability becomes a manageable, ongoing process rather than a one-off project. ## Additional Services and Next Steps Participating SMEs receive: - Extended access (12 months or more) to the SaaS platform for CSRD reporting, policy creation, and performance tracking - Optional, fee-based services including carbon-reduction advisory, sustainable procurement reviews, energy-efficiency clinics, mentoring, and regulatory updates These combined resources offer a comprehensive pathway from initial assessment to continuous improvement. ## Ecosystem Partnerships GreenTech HQ collaborates with a range of public and private entities: - **Government Agencies**: Local Enterprise Office, Sustainable Energy Authority, technological university innovation centres - **Philanthropic and Accelerator Networks**: Innovation hubs, startup labs, impact-investment funds - **Commercial Sponsors**: Financial institutions and sustainability consultancies By facilitating these partnerships, GreenTech HQ ensures that regional businesses can access specialised expertise and funding without facing siloed solutions. ## Conclusion and Call to Action As regional economies navigate the low-carbon transition, practical collaborations between SMEs, financial institutions, sustainability experts, and public agencies are essential. GreenTech HQ invites any business interested in developing its sustainability roadmap to get in touch. Connect with GreenTech HQ on LinkedIn for updates on events, programmes, and ecosystem partnerships. Together, we can build a greener, more resilient future for the South East and beyond.