'Major company' aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions

AN EVENT in Clare heard of one company's approach to sustainable development.

An Post’s current transformation programme, which started in 2016, has enabled the company to take a leadership position in many fields.

That’s according to the company’s chief executive, David Mc Redmond, who addresses members of Shannon Chamber and guests at a luncheon in Dromoland Castle Hotel.

Shannon Airport launch “sizzling” summer schedule

Mr Mc Redmond pointed out An Post was the first major company in Ireland to eliminate the gender pay, the first postal service in the world to attain zero emission delivery status in all major cities (Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Kilkenny), as well as the first company in Ireland to trial the use of HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil) for fleet fuel.

According to him, this was achieved through a “renewed sense of purpose throughout the organisation.”

Speaking of the company’s sustainability journey, Mr McRedmond said that it is centred on gaining wins in two or three sustainable development areas. Having already reduced its carbon emissions by thirty-six percent, against a target of fifty percent by 2025, he said that while achieving net-zero carbon emissions from its own operations will be difficult, but is achievable.

“Big goals matter. It will be impossible to attain net-zero unless we move faster in terms of carbon reduction,” he stated. “Focus on your procurement strategies to ensure that your suppliers are committed to the same sustainability goals as your company.”

Hosted by Shannon Chamber and supported by AIB, Clare County Council and Shannon Chamber SKillnet, the event was organised as part of the Chamber’s overall drive to encourage companies to focus on sustainability.

Chamber president, Eoin Gavin, commented: “One of the Chamber’s key objectives over the next three years will be to collaborate on promoting sustainability and renewable energy. We have pledged to do this in a number of ways, but particularly through creating a platform to brainstorm and undertake initiatives that can enable Shannon and the region to play a meaningful role in Ireland attaining its national targets.”

“We also want to work towards positioning Shannon and the region as an exemplar contributor to sustainable development, and we have already taken the initial steps to deliver on this by setting up a Sustainability Task Force,” he added.