CR Week 2009: Over 100 Irish CEO's Convene to Discuss Collaborative Approach to Climate Change Action

Over 100 Irish CEO's Convene to Discuss Collaborative Approach to Climate Change Action

Pictured above (l-r): Jeremy Dicks, MD, Sodexo; Kieran McGowan, Chairperson, Business in the Community Ireland; Jim OHara, MD, Intel; David Gunning, CEO, Coillte; Donal Dempsey, Regional Director, CRH; Jonathan Smith, Head of Ireland, Marks & Spencer; Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business, Marks & Spencer; Liam Daniel, VP, Elan; Padraig McManus, CEO, ESB; Ronan Murphy, Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Aengus McClean, MD, AOL; Terence O'Rourke, Managing Partner, KPMG; Tina Roche, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland

Dublin; 15th October 2009: Over 100 CEO's from Ireland's top companies today convened at Collins Barracks to discuss a collaborative business response to climate change. The forum which is hosted by Business in the Community Ireland is part of National Corporate Responsibility Week 2009.

The purpose of the forum was to bring together the leaders of the largest businesses in Ireland to debate and discuss how best to combat climate change by business; how the recession has impacted on their progress if at all; the way forward for a low carbon economy in Ireland and how this issue impacts our competitiveness. The conclusions from the forum will form the backbone of a report being compiled for government on recommendations for eliminating the barriers so as to progress Ireland as a low carbon society.

This is the second year of the event and to stimulate discussion a number of speakers presented including, Jim O'Hara CEO of Intel, Padraig Mc Manus CEO of ESB, Martin Sewell, Senior Research Associate, University of Cambridge, Centre for Climate Change Mitigation Research and Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business, Marks and Spencers plc.

Commenting on the event, Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland said “Climate change is the most significant long term issue that we need to worry about right now. Transition to a low carbon economy is not an option but an obligation and also importantly an opportunity for Ireland Inc to change, adapt and lead. We need to look beyond short-term targets to innovation and competitiveness and ask why some businesses are going further than others. Collaborative action is the key to solving the climate crisis and working forums such as this are essential to allow for this joint response”

Government have asked Business in the Community Ireland to report back on today's session and to outline to them, both, the responses to the barriers that business face to taking action on climate change and the strategic direction Ireland should follow to lead in a low carbon economy. This report will be compiled and presented to government in the coming months and it is hoped to advance the green agenda across the board within all government departments.

Ends

For further Information Please Contact:
Una O' Murchu
Business in the Community Ireland
Tel: 01 874 3821
Mob: 086 780 87 62

Notes to Editor

About Business in the Community
Business in the Community Ireland is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting corporate responsibility in Ireland. A business driven network, with major social initiatives, our membership is drawn from Ireland's most progressive companies. This is the second year that Business in the Community Ireland has hosted this event and the concluding report from 2008 can be viewed at http://www.bitc.ie/events/story.html?id=33

About National Corporate Responsibility Week
National Corporate Responsibility Week (October 12-16th) is a unique initiative led by Business in the Community Ireland and its member companies. The week-long series of events aims to highlight key issues on sustainable practice and how they affect business, as well as showcasing best practices from our member companies.

This will be the third year of the awareness campaign and this year's theme will focus around “Rebuilding Ireland's Corporate Reputation”. Reputation has never been such a valued commodity in the business world as it is today and embedded corporate responsibility can play an essential role in building up a bank of trust with key stakeholders.

Key highlights of the week include: Ireland's first public exhibition on corporate responsibility (running from October 7th to October 16th), a major CEO Forum on Climate Change, events and seminars for members on workplace and marketplace issues, launch of new online tools and much more.