Creating business value through sustainability leadership

Encirc was delighted to recently partner with Business in the Community NI and Mannok as business leaders from across the region attended an Environmental Leadership conference at the Mannok Innovation Academy.

The event brought together organisations of all sizes and sectors to explore how sustainability can be embedded into business operations in practical, commercially meaningful ways, with a strong focus on environmental leadership, innovation and regional collaboration.

Among the guest speakers was Andrew Muir, Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and industry in accelerating Northern Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Encirc was delighted to share insights into how sustainability is being integrated across its operations. Delegates heard from Encirc Sustainability Director, Fiacre O’Donnell, who outlined the company’s commitment to driving environmental progress while continuing to support economic growth, innovation and local communities.

A panel discussion featuring Fiacre O’Donnell and Martin Doherty, Director of Energy Transition at Encirc, alongside representatives from Mannok, explored the opportunities and challenges businesses face as they work towards ambitious sustainability targets and transition to more circular operating models.

Speaking at the event, Fiacre O’Donnell, Sustainability Director at Encirc, said: “Fiacre O’Donnell, Sustainability Director at Encirc said: “We were delighted to participate in the Business in the Community’s Environmental Leadership Programme and to also partner with our neighbours, Mannok.

“Since 2013, we have worked closely with BITC to strengthen our role as a responsible leader, embedding sustainability at the heart of our strategy and decision-making.

“As we highlighted on the day, our commitment goes far beyond simply reducing carbon emissions; it encompasses a broader vision of creating lasting environmental and social value, driving innovation, and placing people at the forefront of all we do.”

Minister Muir commented: “Northern Ireland’s transition to a greener economy will only succeed through strong partnership between government and business. The leadership demonstrated by organisations taking part in this work shows that environmental responsibility is a driver of innovation, investment and sustainable growth. By supporting initiatives such as the Environmental Benchmarking Survey through the Carrier Bag Levy Fund, we are helping businesses track progress, strengthen performance and plan with confidence as we move towards a circular, low-carbon economy.”

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director of Business in the Community NI, praised the collaboration demonstrated by both Encirc and Mannok, highlighting the importance of businesses working collectively to accelerate positive environmental change across the region.

Paul Monaghan, Head of Sustainability, Mannok, added: “We were delighted to facilitate this important Business In The Community NI event at the Mannok Innovation Academy alongside our friends at Encirc.

“As a cement producer, decarbonisation clearly sits at the top of our agenda, and it was good to be able to discuss some of the projects we have undergone to try and meet our goals as well as showcase our educational partnerships and community impact.

“One of the key messages for local business is that sustainability is a profit centre. Investments will build short-term resilience to economic uncertainties and long-term prosperity for you and local communities which benefit the wider region.”

The event formed part of Business in the Community NI’s wider Environmental Leadership Programme, which supports organisations in improving environmental performance, sharing best practice and building resilience for the future.