Building a Greener Future: How BITCI Supports Sustainable Transformation in Construction

Supporting companies to embed all aspects of sustainability into their business models is core to what Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is about.?Our membership comprises over 120 large companies spanning multiple sectors including construction companies like Collen Construction , John Sisk & Son Ltd and John Paul Construction . For nearly 25 years, we’ve been trusted advisers in all Economic, Environment, Social, and Governance (EESG) aspects of sustainability, ensuring our network of businesses build capacity, ambition and leadership.???

It is estimated that 37% of carbon emissions stem from the construction and built environment sector (IGBC, 2022) given the energy consumption to maintain buildings and the production and use of cement, aluminium, steel etc. Scope 3 emissions account for a significant proportion so engaging with and creating more sustainable supply chains are vital to all decarbonisation efforts. BITCI recently undertook a pioneering pilot project supporting members to upskill and collaborate with their SME suppliers to identify and undertake actions that will lower emissions whilst ensuring viability of the businesses. The learnings and outcomes achieved from this will help the construction industry too.

Also our recently launched new collective action campaign Accelerate, The Business Pact for Climate and Nature is urging signatories to set net zero by 2050 targets and to develop Climate Transition Plans to guide implementation of these targets. This campaign is building on our successful Low Carbon Pledge which asked signatories to set science-based targets by end 2024. Within the construction industry 奥雅纳 , Cairn Homes , Glenveagh Properties plc and PM Group were all signatories demonstrating their leadership and commitment to sustainability.

Accelerate, The Business Pact for Climate and Nature is innovative, unique and robust. It will adopt a wider lens by focusing on action in nine Accelerator Areas: Nature, Scope 3, Just Transition, Decarbonisation, Targets, Finance, Advocacy, Risk and Governance.??Being a cross sectoral network, BITCI is uniquely placed to facilitate a community of practice and build a Centre of Excellence to share challenges, solutions and best practices among the businesses participating.?

BITCI believes the construction industry can be leaders in sustainability practices through innovation and collaboration. Businesses that invest in?sustainable technologies, renewable energy solutions, and nature-positive practices are guaranteed to be more successful and contribute to a healthier planet.?

Finally, BITCI champions the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. Businesses must address their carbon footprint and their social footprint such as inclusivity, and fair labour practices. A holistic approach to sustainability is now a business imperative.???

If you are interested in becoming a BITCI member, please go to www.bitc.ie?or contact Trish via [email protected]