Iarnród Éireann Retains Ireland's Leading Sustainability Certification

Business Working Responsibly Mark recertification recognises progress across environmental, social and governance priorities


Iarnród Éireann has successfully retained the Business Working Responsibly Mark, Ireland's leading sustainability certification, following a rigorous assessment by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI).

Independently verified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), this certification recognises excellence across environmental, social, economic and governance performance. Awarded through a comprehensive audit process and renewed every three years, the Mark demonstrates Iarnród Éireann's ongoing commitment to sustainability, accountability and continuous improvement.

Retaining the Mark provides assurance to customers, partners, suppliers and stakeholders that Iarnród Éireann operates to the highest standards of sustainability and corporate responsibility, while also supporting shared environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives.

The assessment recognised progress and impact across a range of environmental, social and governance priorities, including:


Environmental Leadership

  • Sustainable Sourcing: Sustainability requirements now in all tenders
  • Water Reduction Projects: €1.1m saved per annum through water conservation initiatives across the organisation
  • Emission Reduction: Through use of alternative fuels like HVO, all on-rack maintenance vehicles now operate on 100& HVO fuel. Reducing fuel use and emissions through smarter idling practices on diesel fleet. Expanding electrification through major investment programmes like DART+ and Cork Area Commuter Rail.
  • Circular Economy Initiatives: €5m saved per annum in Drogheda Repair Shop through extending asset life, reducing waste and reuse or repurposing of train parts
  • Biodiversity Protection: Pollinator plans for 60+ stations with more being added each year. Tree mapping, invasive species management and active protection of native habitats and wildlife along the railway corridor ongoing.

Social Impact and Community Engagement

  • Connecting Communities: Providing vital rail services directly to 167 communities nationwide, and m any more indirectly
  • People and Inclusion: Continued focus on workplace equality, diversity, employee wellbeing and inclusion
  • Accessibility: Ongoing investment in accessible stations and facilities, informed by direct engagement with the organisations Disability User Group

Governance and Sustainable Growth

  • Long-Term Sustainability Strategy: Supporting a target of 80 million passenger journeys annually by 2030 through major investment in rail infrastructure and services.
  • Responsible Procurement: Embedding sustainable purchasing practices and working with suppliers to educate and advocate through the Supply Chain Sustainability School
  • Transparency and Accountability: Publishing annual progress reports against climate, environmental and social commitments.

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, said: "Retaining the Business Working Responsibly Mark is important recognition of the work taking place across Iarnród Éireann to embed sustainability and responsible business practices throughout our organisation. As Ireland's national rail operator, we play a critical role in supporting the country's transition to a lower-carbon future while delivering safe, reliable and accessible public transport. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and our commitments to deliver lasting economic, environmental and social value for the communities we serve."

Tomás Sercovich, Chief Executive of Business in the Community Ireland, said:

"We applaud Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) with being recertified for the second time to the Business Working Responsibly Mark, recognising its continued commitment to embedding sustainability across all of its operations. Achieving this standard is a demonstration of continued improvement and it is clear Iarnród Eireann has strengthened its sustainability governance, expanded dedicated resources, and showed significant progress in areas such as sustainable procurement, stakeholder engagement and ESG reporting since it was first certified. We look forward to working with Iarnród Eireann as they prioritise, implement and achieve their sustainability and social inclusion goals."

About the Business Working Responsibly Mark

The Business Working Responsibly Mark is Ireland's leading sustainability certification and management framework. Developed by Business in the Community Ireland and independently verified by NSAI, it is awarded following a rigorous audit process that assesses performance across environmental, social, economic and governance criteria.

Originally based on ISO 26000 and informed by over 20 years of expertise, the certification incorporates international best practice and aligns with leading global standards and frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GRI Standards, SA8000 and relevant ISO standards.

The Mark supports organisations in embedding sustainability into their core business operations, fostering continuous improvement, accountability and leadership. It is held by many of Ireland's leading organisations across public and private sectors.

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