The Tánaiste, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, have launched the government’s new website to help SMEs to decarbonise and get started in taking climate action.
climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie allows SMEs to input some simple information and get an estimate of their carbon footprint and a personalised action plan to reduce it. Each tailored action plan will include straight-forward, practical instructions and highlights the relevant help that is available from Government, through agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said, “this website is a very practical starting point for every business looking to take their first steps to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make more sustainable choices. Businesses know that this is important to their customers, their employees, the communities they are in and ultimately the longevity of their business. We are providing a tool that’s easy to use, with manageable understandable steps to take, so that every business can be part of our national effort to reduce emissions.“
“We’re very aware that businesses have a lot on their plate and that some will find the transition easier than others. The Toolkit also shows what help is available from Government, whether that be financial, educational, training or expertise.”
Minister Ryan said, “successful businesses know that cutting their emissions and their waste makes both financial and environmental sense. This new tool is designed to help them take action in a very practical way, and it also highlights the support that is available from government agencies to make those changes. It’s one of many initiatives we are taking under the Climate Action plan to ensure we can meet our ambitious target of cutting emissions in half this decade.”
“Those companies who show leadership on climate will reap the rewards, in terms of customer confidence, corporate reputation and the long-term sustainability of their business, SEAI, for example, are already helping thousands of companies on their energy transition with a range of supports and services.”
