Championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to end poverty and other deprivations by improving health and education, reducing inequality, and spurring economic growth, all while tackling climate change and preserving oceans and forests.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Commitment
Gas Networks Ireland was appointed as one of 20 SDG champions by the Department of the Environment and Climate in June. This recognition underscores the organisation’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts in advancing and promoting the UN’s SDGs.
Gas Networks Ireland is the first energy provider to be chosen as an SDG champion. This significant honour reflects the organisation’s long-standing support for all 17 goals and its alignment with six specific SDGs most relevant to its activities.
Raising Awareness
As an Irish SDG champion, Gas Networks Ireland is committed to raising awareness about the importance of the SDGs. The organisation acts as an advocate and role model, demonstrating that everyone in society can contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The SDGs, along with their associated targets and indicators, are integrated into Gas Networks Ireland’s business strategy. The organisation recognises that sustainability is essential for business success and has made its corporate strategy synonymous with its sustainability strategy.
Focus on Climate and Clean Energy
Two extremely relevant goals for Gas Networks Ireland are SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action. The organisation’s vision is to be at the heart of Ireland’s energy future, focusing on decarbonisation with renewable gases.
Gas Networks Ireland is investing over €150 million annually in capital projects to decarbonise its activities and infrastructure, as well as to support industry sustainability goals. This includes increasing the transport of biomethane and eventually green hydrogen on the network.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Pathway to a Net-Zero Carbon Network outlines how it plans to transport 100% renewable gases by 2045. This initiative is crucial for transitioning Ireland to a carbon-neutral economy.
Learn moreBeyond Energy and Climate
The SDGs also focus on areas such as decent work, health and wellbeing, and responsible production and consumption. Gas Networks Ireland has strong diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes and has achieved significant milestones in workplace safety.
Community engagement is also key area of focus for Gas Networks Ireland. One in five staff members volunteers in community activities, and the organisation has achieved Investing in Volunteers accreditation. A particular focus is on STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), encouraging both girls and boys to pursue STEAM careers.
Supporting Charities and Biodiversity
Gas Networks Ireland supports several charities, including Age Action Ireland. The organisation provides practical support to elderly people’s homes in Cork and Dublin, such as tidying gardens and removing rubbish.
Biodiversity is a key priority for Gas Networks Ireland. As a business partner with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, the organisation actively supports and promotes biodiversity on its properties and in the communities it operates. The objective is to achieve "no net loss" and strive for a positive impact on biodiversity by 2025.
Sustainability Report 2022
Our fifth Sustainability Report outlines our progress in implementing the principles of sustainable development across all aspects of our operations.