Business encouraged to be more proactive about their impact on nature
Business in the Community Ireland’s (BITCI) latest Munster Members Network meeting focused on how businesses can be more proactive to enhance and protect the natural environment. With our nature, biodiversity and ecosystems all being adversely affected by climate change, the event was an opportunity to share and upskill on how local businesses are responding. The session, hosted by Grant Thornton Limerick, gathered some of the region’s largest companies and semi-state organisations, as well as nature experts.
Cook Medical outlined their comprehensive programme to protect nature on its site at Castletroy to ensure it remains wildlife rich and enjoyed by staff and the local community. Grant Thornton noted that they’ve observed a significant leap amongst leading businesses and clients over the past year with an increased focus on nature and biodiversity. In the past, top organisations were driving forward net zero emissions targets alone but this has shifted to a scenario where companies place biodiversity and climate action side-by-side. Finally, Burrenbeo Trust and Leave No Trace explained the projects their organisations run, and how business support can help expand their work, as well as involve corporate staff in positive outdoor activities.
Laura Morrison, BITCI Senior Sustainability Adviser said “It was a fantastic morning of discussion and ideas-sharing. Business conversations about nature are too often abstract and overly technical, when they should be focused on the places, ecosystems, communities and social heritage around us. The session was genuinely inspiring and everybody left with new inspiration and practical steps to take.”
BITCI are leaders in business sustainability and social inclusion, with a membership network of 120 of Ireland’s largest companies. Members receive support and advice from BITCI’s team of sustainability experts, across environmental, social and governance areas. Many of our members have initiated their own onsite nature-positive programmes following a BITCI workshop. The Munster Members’ Network convenes four times a year to focus the attention of Munster-based members on the most pressing sustainability challenges facing Ireland. The first Limerick-based event was held in 2023.
