The Skillnet Climate Ready Academy is a national training initiative funded by Skillnet Ireland and delivered by 20FIFTY Partners, a company that is based in Limerick.
The Academy supports Irish businesses in developing the skills and talent required to prepare for the effects of our changing climate and environment. The Programmes we offer are designed to help companies, no matter what stage they are at, to take action on sustainability and achieve maximum impact. For example, our flagship programme, the Sustainability Leaders Programme, introduces learners to key sustainability concepts such as Double Materiality, Stakeholder engagement and supply chain analysis to help them to develop a robust strategy that is aligned to internationally recognised frameworks such as the UNSDGs. To date over 3,500 businesses have completed our programmes and committed to delivering thousands of impactful actions across the key areas of sustainability.
Why do businesses need to take action on sustainability?
In reality, far too many businesses in Ireland are not taking adequate measures to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. Climate inaction comes at a cost and businesses have to address this issue as the risks associated with not taking action are increasing rapidly and far outweigh the cost of change. But this is not just a risk management issue, there are also many upsides for businesses that are prepared to adopt new practices and ways of working for a more sustainable future. At a minimum, businesses will find opportunities for greater efficiencies, resilience and cost- effective solutions but the green transition also offers opportunities for significant growth and competitive advantage.
What do businesses need to do?
We believe all businesses require a sustainability action plan and equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge to develop a plan and prepare for the transition is a key focus of our programmes. This plan should set out their ambition and look at the impacts, risks and opportunities associated with climate change, it should establish baselines, targets and KPIs and look at how they can work collaboratively across their value chain. Our Programmes go beyond emissions reduction and look at all aspects of the climate and biodiversity crisis offering businesses a broader approach to sustainability that take into account planetary boundaries. We believe the decisions we make today will shape the future of our planet and those that act pro-actively now and stay steadfast will reap the greatest benefits.
