Supply Chain Sustainability School Summit 2025

The School’s Programme Manager confirmed that in 2024, the initiative secured 23 client partnerships, with plans to increase this number to 35 in the next 12 months. The theme of the day was “Driving Sustainability through Partnership”, a concept that was brought to life through strong collaboration and information sharing among the diverse range of attendees.

With the Climate Action Plan 2024 highlighting that the built environment sector is responsible for 11.1% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions (in 2022) and with growing demands to support infrastructure projects and urgent housing development, collaboration within the sector is essential. Sharing sustainable best practices and finding solutions to complex challenges is key to addressing these pressing issues.

The morning session featured a range of insightful speakers, each addressing different topics. Here is a summary of some of the key takeaways from the Summit:

• Targets: The sector requires consistent, clear targets, which would be welcomed by industry players. Without defined targets, developing concrete plans to enhance supply chain sustainability becomes more difficult.
• Initiating Change: Change must begin even without complete data. Industry players should take the initiative to set self-designed targets to improve supply chain sustainability, even if these targets are simple at first. The key is to start, even without all the necessary information.
• Collaboration: The entire sector faces similar challenges. Working in isolation can lead to a sense of overwhelm. Cross-sector knowledge sharing should become standard practice, especially during uncertainty when clear and consistent best practices are still being developed.
• Circular Economy: While initiatives that promote the circular economy face challenges – such as lack of data or the higher engineered value of materials versus their lower material value – the benefits are still significant. The built environment sector should consider these initiatives as a means of reducing its carbon footprint.
• Data: Capturing and storing data in a structured format over time will ease future efforts to improve and refine supply chains. Though gathering data from diverse sources may be time-consuming, a structured approach can yield long-term benefits. This is particularly relevant for preparing for compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
• Social Impact: The built environment has a far-reaching effect on the economy, particularly on local jobs and the quality of life in Irish communities. Organisations in the sector have the opportunity to integrate social impact into their strategy and culture, fostering positive changes in local communities. This, in turn, can enhance the organisation's reputation as a trusted partner. Leadership commitment is crucial to driving this ‘do good’ mentality. Organisations with a positive social impact often attract top industry talent, as many professionals want to work for companies that ‘earn profit in the right way’. Social initiatives need not be large; even small, locally-focused projects can make a meaningful difference.
• Contribution to the Fight Against Climate Change: A rise of +2°C will reduce habitable land by 20% and create 1 billion climate refugees. All sectors, including the built environment, must take proactive steps to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the rapid pace of climate change.

Overall, the Supply Chain Sustainability School Summit 2025 highlighted the importance of collaboration, data sharing, and setting clear sustainability targets within Ireland's built environment sector. As the industry faces increasing challenges, the collective effort to improve sustainability practices is crucial in mitigating climate change and fostering positive social impact. Industry leaders must commit to continuous change, driving environmental and social benefits for future generations.