Electric Mail > General > September 2008 > Minister launches Sustainability Programme

In its 2020 Strategic Framework, ESB commits to leadership in carbon management and energy efficiency: the Company has set a target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2012, with the aim of being at net zero emissions in its generation activity by 2035. In addition to focussing on the performance of ESB’s generation and network assets ESB will also be exemplary in its usage and management of energy, water and waste as it carries out its internal business activities.

We will achieve our objectives by:

Adopting a target of a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from our internal business activities by 2012, in addition to our targets for the performance of Network and Generation assets.
Committing to Leadership in Sustainability through partnership at all levels in the organisation.
Reducing our impact on the environment to a practicable minimum by the prevention of pollution, reduction of waste and the efficient use of energy, water and other resources.
Identification and dissemination of Best Practice in Sustainability throughout ESB, including our international operations.
Integrating sustainability considerations into our procurement activities as well as in our investment and expenditure decisions.
Ensuring that all new ESB Buildings will be built to best sustainable standards.
Actively and effectively communicating and involving staff and contractors in identifying and implementing performance improvements.
Adopting appropriate management structures, management systems and targets.
Assessing the impact of our operations on biodiversity and implementing opportunities for enhancement.
Openly reporting on our environmental performance in a verifiable way.

ESB’s strength is in its people; working together we can provide national leadership and demonstrate how the challenges of climate change can effectively be addressed - for the benefit of everyone.



		Minister launches Sustainability Programme Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources officially launched ESB’s Sustainability Programme on July 25th at a function held in ESB Head Office. The launch was attended by a wide range of staff from across the company as well as representatives from Partnership groups, Trade Unions and members of the Sustainability Programme team. Present also were guests from external organisations involved in energy and environmental awareness and education. The Minister was welcomed by ESB Chairman, Lochlann Quinn who stated that ESB, as the largest semi-state company in the country, can point the way forward in the field of sustainability for industry and government. Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Padraig McManus outlined how important individual behaviour will be in achieving the targets set out in the programme. “While technology will play a part in delivering sustainable improvements – especially in the smart metering area – the real key to success will be the behaviours of people as they go about their everyday work,” he said. John Campion, Executive Director, Sustainability outlined the three dimensions to the programme: 30% reduction in ESB’s carbon footprint by 2012. Engaging with staff throughout the company to ensure delivery. Systems and procedures to embed sustainability in the longer term. The launch also marked the introduction of the Environmental Sustainability Charter that has been developed through a process of consultation and the formal kick-off of 10 initial projects to address these three dimensions. These projects are wide ranging and include areas such as the transport fleet, energy efficient buildings and training and education. John noted the enthusiasm, energy and commitment right across the company to make a lasting and positive impact and to build a sustainable business for generations to come. The Minister outlined the scale of the challenge facing every citizen in relation to reducing our carbon footprint and the importance of generating increasing amounts of electricity from renewable sources. He noted ESB’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral as outlined in the recent Corporate Strategy and wished the Company well in its endeavours.		Pictured: John Campion, Executive Director, Sustainability, Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Padraig McManus, ESB Chief Executive at the launch of the Sustainability Programme. ESB Environmental Sustainability Charter In its 2020 Strategic Framework, ESB commits to leadership in carbon management and energy efficiency: the Company has set a target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% by 2012, with the aim of being at net zero emissions in its generation activity by 2035. In addition to focussing on the performance of ESB’s generation and network assets ESB will also be exemplary in its usage and management of energy, water and waste as it carries out its internal business activities. We will achieve our objectives by: Adopting a target of a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from our internal business activities by 2012, in addition to our targets for the performance of Network and Generation assets. Committing to Leadership in Sustainability through partnership at all levels in the organisation. Reducing our impact on the environment to a practicable minimum by the prevention of pollution, reduction of waste and the efficient use of energy, water and other resources. Identification and dissemination of Best Practice in Sustainability throughout ESB, including our international operations. Integrating sustainability considerations into our procurement activities as well as in our investment and expenditure decisions. Ensuring that all new ESB Buildings will be built to best sustainable standards. Actively and effectively communicating and involving staff and contractors in identifying and implementing performance improvements. Adopting appropriate management structures, management systems and targets. Assessing the impact of our operations on biodiversity and implementing opportunities for enhancement. Openly reporting on our environmental performance in a verifiable way. ESB’s strength is in its people; working together we can provide national leadership and demonstrate how the challenges of climate change can effectively be addressed - for the benefit of everyone.