Sustainability

This includes measures to minimise environmental impact, reduce greenhouse emissions and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

To reaffirm this commitment, we have developed a Sustainability Policy for Ireland’s EU Presidency. The core objective of the policy is to support the organisation of Presidency meetings and events as sustainably as possible, including in relation to social sustainability and in alignment with relevant legislation and policies.

Implementing this policy and focusing on sustainability in the organisation of Presidency events is intended to promote a sustainable approach to event management across the public service and encourage further positive developments in this area.

The policy focuses on key areas:

1. Transport

A key consideration of each meeting and event will be to minimise the environmental impact of transport. Where possible, active travel will be encouraged, including the use of public transport. To support this, information on public transport will be provided to participants in advance. Transport services will be procured in line with national Green Public Procurement requirements.

2. Meeting Venues

Energy efficiency will be maximised in State-owned venues in line with the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate. For commercial venues, selection will be guided by Green Public Procurement guidance and criteria issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Accessibility of meeting venues will be carefully considered throughout the process of organisation of meetings and events.

3. Accommodation

Where possible, accommodation will be selected in close proximity to event locations and along public transport routes to encourage active travel. To the greatest extent possible, the booking of hotels with recognised green credentials for visiting delegates is encouraged.

4. Food and Drink

The Presidency provides an opportunity to showcase quality, sustainable Irish food produced by companies who have verified sustainable credentials. The provision of food and drink will centre on sustainability in line with the National Green Public Procurement requirements, including using local and seasonal produce. Where feasible, a minimum of 10% of food, by value, will consist of organic produce. The use of disposable items will be reduced to avoid unnecessary waste.

5. Printed Materials and Equipment

The use of printed materials during the Presidency will be kept to a minimum. Where paper must be used, we will seek to use recycled paper, print double-sided and print in black & white. Where relevant, the use of remanufactured ICT equipment, including laptops, will be explored.

6. Merchandise

The central procurement of Presidency merchandise, including stationery, will be procured in line with national Green Public Procurement criteria, supporting sustainable consumption and production practices.

EU Presidency Sustainability Award 2027

To encourage engagement and to support the objectives of the Sustainability Policy a dedicated EU Presidency Sustainability Award will be included in the 2027 Better Public Services Awards. This award will recognise those that demonstrated strong action and commitment in delivering a sustainable meeting or event.

International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Certification

The Office of Public Works (OPW) Event Management Unit will review and enhance its event sustainability management systems in preparation for Ireland’s Presidency. Throughout the Presidency the OPW will seek to enhance key event sustainability systems within the framework of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification process.