*Shannon Chamber CEO, Helen Downes. Photograph: Eamon Ward
SHANNON CHAMBER is to host its first sustainability week for the Mid-West region in September.
Its members led Mid-West Sustainability Network will deliver the week from September 18th to 22nd.
A mix of daily in-person and online events are planned with the first four days from Monday to Thursday dedicated to a specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) theme, waste, water, energy and biodiversity. A one-day conference (The S4 Conference) will the week to a close on Friday, 22 September.
Julie Sinnamon, Council Member, The Climate Change Advisory Council will give the keynote address at the S4 Conference. It will also feature presentations by senior management from Analog Devices, Fine Grain Property, and Ei Electronics and a panel discussion involving ESB, Tipperary Energy Agency, Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, and Skillnet Ireland.
Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes described the week and S4 conference as “a very innovative deliverable for us as a Chamber. The concept of hosting a week of this nature emanated from the establishment of the Mid-West Sustainability Network which was set up to support members in their sustainability journeys and in the attainment of their net zero goals. The buy-in to the concept from members has been tremendous so much so that we now have four working groups, each focused on one of the four SDG areas that will be covered during the week – Waste, Water, Energy and Biodiversity”.
In tandem with the organised events, member companies of Shannon Chamber have been encouraged to host in-company events across the week such as energy efficiency, EV cars, cycling or smarter travel to work options.
Helen explained, “A key element of this conference is to showcase the types of projects companies are undertaking to reduce their carbon footprint. A ‘Street Event’ included in the day will include displays from several companies focusing in on specific projects, their objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. We would encourage companies to engage with us if they wish to be part of this street event. An ‘Exhibitor Section’ will enable attendees to meet first-hand companies and organisations whose services can be deployed to commence or enhance sustainability undertakings or to assess the types of skills needed to embed a sustainability ethos in enterprise”.
Jim Dollard, executive director, ESB Generation & Trading added, “Our purpose at ESB is founded in the consistent belief that electricity is an enabler of economic growth and social regeneration. Our ambitious Driven to Make A Difference Strategy to be Net Zero by 2040 demonstrates our commitment to building a resilient electricity system of the future, where carbon-free energy will displace carbon emissions in how we power our lives, businesses and the economy.
“Given that and our multi-billion-euro investment in the Green Atlantic programme converting our existing facilities in Moneypoint, Co. Clare into a renewable energy hub, we welcomed the opportunity to sponsor the Chamber’s inaugural Sustainability Week and Conference. This will see the sharing of best practice, knowledge and experience as the Chamber’s members ensure their businesses embrace sustainability practices not only because it the right thing to do but because it’s good for business,” he added.
Full details of Shannon Chamber’s Sustainability Week and Conference can be found at www.shannonchamber.ie/events-training/. Advance booking is essential.
The Mid-West Sustainability Network was formed for CEOs and senior executives in Shannon Chamber member companies who are tasked with leading their organisations’ sustainability strategies. The inaugural Sustainability Week and Conference is a key initiative in the endeavour to position Shannon and the region as an exemplar contributor to sustainable development.
ESB are main sponsors with support from other member companies including Analog Devices, Eli Lilly, Ei Electronics, Climeaction, Element Six, Shannon Chamber Skillnet, GreenTech Skillnet, Heraeus Metal Processing Limited, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Clare and Enva.
