Only two in five businesses consider sustainability and energy efficiency a priority in their budget, according to research published by SSE Airtricity in the latest from its Green Business Sentiment Index series. The research, carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of SSE Airtricity, aims to measure and track any change in attitude among businesses towards sustainable practices and decarbonisation, since the previous Index 27 months ago.

In a 21 point decrease from 2021, just 39% of Irish businesses consider the issue of climate change to be ‘very important’, while 90% of businesses believe that it is primarily the responsibility of the Government to tackle climate change.

This is the third national report of the Index, following the first instalment in July 2020, commissioned by SSE Airtricity. In comparison to the previous Index in May 2021 the research demonstrates an alarming shift in sentiment regarding sustainability and climate change, signalling a deprioritisation across the board. The second most mentioned barrier to businesses reducing their carbon footprint, now being mentioned by one in five businesses (19%), is not having enough information on methods of decarbonisation.

Cause for concern

The Green Business Sentiment Index suggests that businesses are focused on the day-to-day challenges of the current economy, with almost half (48%) of businesses stating that cost is the main reason preventing them from proactively reducing their carbon footprint.

While 71% of businesses believe the issue of climate change to be important for businesses that marks a 12 point difference, down from 83% in May 2021. Seven in ten (71%) consider the issue of climate change to be important, however somewhat alarmingly, the proportion saying that it is not at all important for businesses has risen since 2021, increasing from 7% to 11%.

Despite Government’s targets to reduce carbon emissions, just two in five businesses (37%) consider sustainability and energy efficiency a priority in their budget. This indicates the need for support and intervention if Ireland is to deliver on its 2030 targets.

Nikki Flanders, Managing Director, SSE Energy Customer Solutions GB (Energy Solutions) and Ireland (SSE Airtricity) commented: “While previous instalments of the Green business Sentiment Index have aimed to measure the progression of attitudes towards more sustainable practices, today’s findings largely demonstrate a regression in the sentiment towards sustainability.

“The economic pressures of the past few years have understandably had an impact on the prioritisation of sustainable practices and our findings indicate that short term cost pressures for businesses are taking priority over longer term objectives such as tackling climate change. However, at a time where the effects of climate change are being felt with Ireland’s hottest June on record, followed by our wettest July on record, and more record temperatures last month; today’s research findings demonstrate a real cause for alarm and should not be underestimated. If unaddressed, climate change will continue to drive up costs for businesses and for society at large. Many of the challenges today have the same solutions as the longer term issue of climate change.

“Decarbonisation measures, sustainable practices and the increased development of renewables are all part of the solution to drive down long-term costs and deliver greater economic stability. Industry leaders, organisations and Government need to work together to address today’s challenges without losing focus on the long term objectives.”

Positive indicators

While the Green Business Sentiment Index results largely suggest a regression in sentiment, some sustainable work practices have been captured for the first time. One in four (19%) businesses have incorporated solar panels into their business practices and almost four in ten (38%) of businesses have incorporated smart metering into their environmental practices.

The use of electric vehicles (EVs) by businesses is at its highest to date of 15%. Similarly, the research demonstrates that while one in five (19%) mentioned they don’t have enough information on methods of decarbonisation, interestingly, the portion saying that there is not enough government supports has been steadily edging lower, down two points from 2021 to 16%.

To find out how your business can work towards a more sustainable future with SSE Airtricity, visit sseairtricity.com/business or call the customer care team on 1850 88 28 03.