THE BUSINESSES MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY - AUGUST 2018 - BizPlus
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AUGUST 2018 SURVEY
THE BUSINESSES MAKING
A DIFFERENCE
IN THEIR COMMUNITY
BP SURVEY C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
Call To Action
The government is determined to raise awareness of the benefits of embedding best
practice CSR into day-to-day business operations, writes Emily Styles
Abbott
T
he Irish government takes businesses), though many donors
Corporate Social Responsibility seem to be unaware that business Through Abbott’s Croí an Óir
seriously. So much so that there is benefits are enhanced if such (Heart of Gold) programme,
a national plan on the issue: community-based activity is employees have volunteered more
‘Towards Responsible Business: approached strategically, rather than than 70,000 hours to give back to
Ireland’s National Plan on CSR ad hoc donations. their local communities. Over 600
2017-2020’. As part of the plan, the More than two-thirds of businesses staff have engaged with more than
Department of Business, Enterprise in the survey indicated active 10,000 primary school students
and Innovation has organised an workplace CSR in the areas of work- through the Abbott Family Science
ongoing CSR Stakeholder Forum, and life balance and staff learning. programme, which aims to put the
in June, minister Heather Humphreys Significantly fewer are active in the fun back into science education.
assembled business leaders in Iveagh areas of equality and diversity and Abroad, employees volunteer to help
House to drive further awareness of employee health and wellbeing. modernise healthcare infrastructure
the importance of CSR in business. Based on firm level experience, in Tanzania by training and
“Ireland’s National Plan on CSR is a going beyond compliance in the area mentoring local laboratory teams.
call to action for businesses both large of environmental sustainability can See also p.70.
and small to consider their impact in secure differentiation in the
their local communities and society, in marketplace. ABP Food Group
the workplace, on the environment, Yet the survey showed that CSR Olleco, ABP’s renewables division,
and in the marketplace,” said the practices in this area are significantly is an organic recycling initiative that
minister. less prevalent than philanthropy and collects waste food and used cooking
“It is the government’s ambition sponsorship. oil and converts the used oils and fats
that Ireland be recognised as a Centre So what does CSR mean in practice into biodiesel. ABP is a founding
of Excellence for responsible and in Ireland? The spectrum of social member of Origin Green and holds
sustainable business practices. The and environmental issues that Irish quadruple certification from the
government wants to build a strong companies are involved in is Carbon Trust in recognition of the
economy and deliver a fair society, so illustrated by the following projects. measures it has introduced to
that businesses and communities reduce its environmental impact.
thrive throughout Ireland, and CSR is
the way to achieve it.”
CSR BEST PRACTICE See also p.69.
In a progress report on the national
CSR plan, the department noted that
Three Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Achill Island Sea Salt
Kerry Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 The company took the initiative to
companies engaged in CSR are
Croke Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 address the issue of single-use plastics
motivated by a variety of factors,
and decided to move away from
including customer and employee Bank of Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
plastic packaging. Now, its product is
needs; business sustainability; ethical Transdev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 packaged in recyclable glass jars.
decision making; customer
Bewley’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
confidence; brand value; and
environmental impact. Building ABP Food Group . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Bank of Ireland
company reputation and competing Abbott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Bank of Ireland donated nearly €2.8m
successfully for prospective employees ESB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 to charities in 2017, with employees
are also emerging as strong business undertaking 1,300 volunteer days.
KBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
drivers for adopting CSR practices. A popular initiative with staff is
The Forum’s 2017 CSR baseline Gas Networks Ireland . . . . . . . 75 Backyard Blitz, with circa. 450 bank
survey of 1,300 businesses found that Tesco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 volunteers participating with older
80% view CSR as either ‘very Dublin Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 members of the community to tidy
important’ or ‘moderately important’. 200 gardens in Dublin, Cork and
IPB Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
The survey indicates a high level of Galway. It was the bank’s largest ever
Nestlé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 volunteering project.
engagement in philanthropy-based
CSR in the community (83% of Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 See also p.63.
56 BUSINESS PLUS AUGUST 2018
BP SURVEY C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
Employees in Energia have raised more than €140,000 for local charities over the last five years, including over
€23,000 for Down Syndrome charities. Fundraising activities span coffee mornings, quizzes and other events.
Pictured with Energia’s Elaine O’Flanagan are (left to right) Laura Mollard, Martha O’Flynn and Lia O’Malley
Bewley’s masterclasses and completing work stadium. All sorts of projects can
Coffee capsules have been growing in placements. The objective is for young apply for funding, from community
popularity, but their plastic or metal people to recognise their potential and gardens and after-school initiatives,
format does not suit recycling. to increase their employability. local heritage projects, street parties
Bewley’s has become the first Irish and community facilities upkeep.
company to tackle this issue by Coca-Cola The fund has disbursed over
developing 100% compostable Helping young people find a pathway €900,000 since 2009, and 58
capsules that can be disposed of in a to meaningful employment is the aim community groups and projects were
household’s brown bin. The company of the company’s Youth Empowered supported in 2017. See also p.62.
is also rolling out 100% recyclable and programme which provides training
compostable cups across its retail for 750 young people not currently in Danone
stores. See also p.68. education, employment or training. Danone has been partnering with
children’s charity Barnardos for 15
BoA Merrill Lynch Core years, raising nearly €4m in funding.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch is Junior Achievement Ireland Their flagship event is the Big Toddle
currently partnering with Code First: encourages school children to remain for Barnardos, a half-mile sponsored
Girls to assist 20,000 women in in education, and employees from walk for parents and their toddlers.
Ireland and the UK to learn computer marketing services company Core
coding skills by 2020. The bank volunteer to teach in inner city Diageo
provides financial support and staff schools in Dublin. The company is Diageo’s Learning For Life
volunteers to help train students. also a leading corporate supporter of programme addresses unemployment
the annual Shine a Light fundraiser among refugees and asylum seekers.
Citi organised by Focus Ireland. Twenty-two graduates from countries
Citi partners with Junior Achievement See also p.82. including Zimbabwe and Syria
Ireland for its Career Ready successfully completed the course in
programme. Students in several Croke Park June 2018. The company says that the
Dublin schools are paired with a Citi Croke Park’s Community Fund was initiative has benefited 115,000 people
volunteer mentor for 18 months, established in 2009 to support worldwide.
visiting workplaces, attending projects within a 1.5km radius of the continued on page 58
BUSINESS PLUS AUGUST 2018 57
BP SURVEY C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
uses locally sourced woodchips to
provide carbon neutral heat, hot water
and steam in the factory.
IPB Insurance
The mutual insurer is one of the main
sponsors of the Social Enterprise
Development Fund, which is targeted
at inspiring social enterprise projects.
Eight applicants were recently
awarded €50,000 and a place on
Ireland’s only Accelerator Programme
for social enterprises. See also p.80.
KBC
Health and wellbeing is one of the
bank’s four CSR pillars, and the
bank is the presenting partner of
WellFest, Ireland’s only health and
wellness festival that attracts over
10,000 attendees. KBC’s support of
WellFest includes a free 30-day
wellness programme and free-to-
attend pop-up Wellfest events
around the country. See also p.74.
Kerry Group
The company is implementing
certified environmental management
systems across its manufacturing
sites and is on track to deliver against
the group’s 2020 reduction targets
The Engage & Educate Fund is a partnership between law firm Mason Hayes &
Curran and Social Innovation Fund Ireland. Pictured with SIFI’s Deirdre for carbon emissions, waste and water.
Mortell and MHC partner Richard Woulfe are 2018 awardees Kathleen Draga In 2017, Kerry surpassed its 2020
and Ar-Raiyan Adesanya from Teen Turn, a programme that provides role target for waste with a cumulative
models and hands-on experience to teenage girls from disadvantaged 34% reduction in waste intensity by
communities year-end, with 93% of its waste
diverted from landfill. See also p.61.
kilometres could vote for a charity of
Dublin Bus their choice to receive a share of the Novartis
Dublin Bus came out strongly to €90,000 challenge fund. See also p.71. Novartis employees have volunteered
support this year’s Pride parade in the 1,500 hours to various charities so far
capital, with two of its buses leading Gas Networks Ireland this year. Volunteers joined staff at
the parade. Separately, the company’s In 2017, employees logged a total of Headway to help spruce up its garden
Community Spirit Awards provide 1,500 volunteer hours, mostly for as part of the company’s Community
funding from excess fares to voluntary STEM-related educational Partnership Day, which has been
and community groups across Dublin programmes. The company partners running for 22 years.
to develop new projects, improve their with Junior Achievement Ireland for
locality and help raise community Energize, a nationwide science Nestlé
spirit. See also p.77. programme that will benefit over Nestlé has been proactive in its
5,000 6th class students every year. commitment to tackling obesity by
See also p.75. reducing the sugar content in several
ESB of its popular chocolate bars and
Any ESB employee who volunteers GSK drinks. In 2018, Nestlé Cereals
over 20 hours with a charity can GSK has been making big strides in announced a three-year sponsorship
request that the company donates lowering its carbon footprint thanks deal with Gymnastics Ireland. The
€250 to that organisation, and over to a purpose-built biomass energy sponsorship will help promote active
40,000 volunteered hours were facility, located at the company’s lifestyles by providing support for
recorded by staff in 2017. To celebrate manufacturing plant in Dungarvan, Gymnastic Ireland’s development
its 90th anniversary last year, ESB Co. Waterford. The pharma company programmes for participants of all
employees who cycled or ran 90 invested €8m in the facility, which ages and levels of ability. See also p.81.
58 BUSINESS PLUS AUGUST 2018
BP SURVEY C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y
Tesco Ireland
The retailer operates a number of
schemes to ensure that food from its
stores doesn’t go to waste, most
notably partnering with FoodCloud.
To further that goal, in 2017 Tesco
launched Community Chill, an
initiative providing food related good
causes with new fridges and freezers
so that they can receive more surplus
food donations to help people in need.
See also p.76.
Three Ireland
The telco commenced a three-year
partnership with Jigsaw in April 2018
with eJigsaw, a digital portal to
support the mental health needs of
young people. Company employees are
supporting the youth mental health
charity with fundraising and skills-
based volunteering. See also p.60.
Ulster Bank funds the Young Social Innovators Awards, which reward socially-
focused projects organised by school students. Among the 800 attendees at Transdev
the 2018 awards were Michaela Howell, Eoin Fitzpatrick and Brigita The LUAS operator’s employees come
Gudenaite from Largy College in Co. Monaghan, whose Dare to Break the into contact with homeless people on
Silence project concerned domestic violence a regular basis and the company
partners with Inner City Helping
PM Group boxes and selling Nurses for Night Homeless for the annual FillALuas
The engineering and project Care badges, nail files and other Shoebox Appeal. The idea is that
management company has signed up IHF merchandise. Reindeer food LUAS customers are encouraged to fill
to the 30% Club Ireland, which aims and greeting cards are added to a tram with parcels that homeless
to achieve 30% female representation the sales mix over the Christmas people will appreciate at Christmas.
in senior management by 2020. period. See also p.64.
Two hundred other organisations in
Survey continued on page 60
Ireland have also made the
commitment.
Prescient Fund Services
The company is a corporate patron of
the fund industry’s initiative,
basis.point, providing grants to charities
to fund educational programmes for
disadvantaged young people.
Primark
The retailer commenced a three-year
partnership with Unicef in July 2018
that will see it contribute around
€5.1m to the humanitarian
organisation. Around €3.8m has been
earmarked to fund an education
programme in Cambodia and the
remaining €1.3m has been committed
to Unicef ’s worldwide emergency
response operations.
Shaws Amgen is rolling out its Biotech Experience programme with the aim of
The department store chain raises providing hands-on lab experience to 13,500 school children by 2020.
funds for the Irish Hospice Pictured with education minister Richard Bruton are Melody McGuirk, Alannah
Foundation through collection Fagan and Michaela Doran from Rockford Manor in Blackrock, Co. Dublin
BUSINESS PLUS AUGUST 2018 59
Three Ireland
A Better Connected Life
Three is assisting youth mental health centre Jigsaw to broaden
Three has taken its core ethos of providing its service delivering the eJigsaw digital portal. Pictured are
a better connected life and applied it across Gillian O’Brien (left), Director of Clinical Governance, Jigsaw, and
Elaine Carey, Chief Commercial Officer, Three Ireland
its business to maximise the benefits that
Three can bring to its communities and
The Jigsaw partnership extends to employees and provides a
EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
employees.
series of workshops on positive mental health for all at
Three. These talks complement Three’s existing wellbeing
Earlier this year, Three launched a charity partnership with programme where employees are encouraged to look after
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health. their own physical and mental health. The company provides
Jigsaw is a primary care mental health service offering free an Employee Assistance Programme, complemented with
and impactful mental health support for young people aged wellbeing newsletter and webinars.
12-25. Through a network of regional hubs, Jigsaw supports
young people to deal with present and future challenges to The annual calendar of wellbeing activities includes
their mental health and build their resilience and coping participation in on-site health checks and weekly fitness and
skills. pilates classes, a 5k training programme, a step and cycle
challenge, Mental Health Week events, Grow It Yourself
Three will help Jigsaw to broaden its service offering by workshops and a year-round Healthy for Life canteen menu.
delivering eJigsaw, a first of its kind digital portal which Last year, Three introduced the Irish Life Digital Doctor
will support the mental health needs of young people. The service, providing employees with complimentary 24/7
platform will provide a range of mental health support and access to a doctor by phone or video call.
information to educate and equip communities in helping
young people, and give direct support to young people at the
time when they most need it. Three is a long-time supporter of Business in the
SKILLS@WORK
Community’s Schools Business Partnership
Speaking about the partnership, Elaine Carey, Chief programme, working closely with St Joseph’s CBS in
Commercial Officer with Three, commented: “We surveyed Fairview. Volunteer employees take part in the Skills@Work
our employees, customers and the general public and asked programme where they work with 5th year students to
them what issue mattered most to them. Mental health impart education and career advice. Work experience is then
received an overwhelming response. Through this provided by Three in its Dublin city centre retail stores.
partnership we can deliver a tangible benefit via the digital
portal that will provide young people with the support they
need when they need it.” Three recently launched its 3Assist programme of classes.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
Hosted by Three retail staff members, the free classes
Three will also provide financial support as well as provide customers with an understanding of smartphone
fundraising and skills-based volunteering from its 1,400 usage and functionality. 3Assist aims to show people how to
employees to the youth mental health charity. use their smartphone to its full potential and stay connected.
60 BUS INES S PLUS A UG UST 2018
Kerry Group
Through a focus on innovation, Kerry is
helping to create products people enjoy and
feel better about consuming.
One of the greatest challenges facing the world is how to feed
a growing population while maintaining the health of both
people and the planet. Estimates suggest the need for 50%
more food by 2050, while simultaneously trying to reduce
emissions and conserve resources. However, it is not simply
about producing more food. Dual problems of hunger and
obesity persist, often side by side, requiring that we focus on
sustainably producing more of the right food. Kerry Group CEO, Edmond Scanlon and Mary Davis, CEO of
As a global leader in the food and beverage industry, Kerry is
Special Olympics International, at the launch of Kerry’s
committed to sustainable growth. Over the last 40 years, the
two-year partnership with Special Olympics, in March 2018
Group has achieved phenomenal success through a
commitment to delivering for its customers. That In creating these products, Kerry is conscious of its impact
ENVIRONMENT
commitment is still fundamental to the company’s ethos, but on the environment. Across manufacturing sites, Kerry is
as the industry has changed, Kerry’s relationship with its implementing certified environmental management systems
customers has evolved. and is on track to deliver against the Group’s 2020 reduction
targets for carbon emissions, waste and water. In 2017,
Today, Kerry is the leading provider of integrated solutions Kerry surpassed its 2020 target for waste with a cumulative
and a trusted partner to the world’s top food and beverage 34% reduction in waste intensity by year end and over 93%
brands. This position gives Kerry an opportunity to influence of its waste diverted from landfill.
the products they create, and through its expertise and
global reach, support customers in the development of The Group also works closely with suppliers to try and
products that can make a positive impact. minimise the environmental impact of the raw materials it
uses. Kerry has publicly committed to No Deforestation
and has a range of initiatives across key categories that seek
As the world’s leading Taste & Nutrition company, Kerry
HEALTH & WELLNESS
to improve production practices at farm level.
understands the interdependent nature of both these
attributes, especially when it comes to creating winning
product concepts. The development of more nutritious All of these efforts are driven by an internal community of
COMMUNITIES
products cannot involve a compromise on taste, so Kerry over 24,000 employees. As a global company, Kerry has a
combines consumer insight, industry leading RD&A and an diverse workforce and continually strives to provide an open
unrivalled portfolio of technologies and solutions to deliver and inclusive environment where all employees can succeed.
on customers’ requirements for great tasting products that
contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Many employees take the opportunity to get directly
involved with their own local communities, using the time
provided through the Kerry Volunteer Programme to
support a range of projects, including Kerry’s partnership
with Special Olympics.
As a Group, Kerry is also proud to support other
international NGOs as they work to promote more
sustainable development across disadvantaged communities.
These programmes include the pioneering Project Leche
with the World Food Programme in Honduras, the
expansion of the Noon Hospital and Research Centre
in India and the RAIN programme with Concern Worldwide
in Africa.
For more information on these and other Kerry
sustainability initiatives, visit
Through its ‘Tsara Kalitao’ programme, Kerry works with vanilla
kerrygroup.com/sustainability
farmers in Madagascar to improve production practices and
promote more sustainable development
B U S I N ES S PL U S AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 61
Croke Park
The home of Gaelic Games and
a Mecca to GAA fans across the world,
Croke Park stadium is proud of its
long-established sustainability credentials.
Croke Park was the first stadium in Ireland and the UK to
secure both ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 20121:2012
standards, and the first stadium in the world to be certified
to the updated Environmental Standard ISO
14001:2015. Under Croke Park’s commitments to these
international standards, the stadium sets itself annual
targets in waste and energy usage reduction and in 2018 the Croke Park stadium’s Environmental and Sustainability
focus is on cutting the stadium’s production of plastic waste. management team
The stadium’s wildlife corridor continues to flourish.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Caffeine lovers now sip their match-day teas and coffees
RECYCLING STRATEGY
from cups which are made from vegetable-based Built three years ago to help preserve urban habitats for
plastics, which allows them to be disposed of in the local wildlife, this development has seen ravens and blue
stadium’s organic waste stream. Twenty tonnes of compost tits successfully nest in the stadium since it was
produced from the stadium’s organic waste is made available established.
each spring to the stadium’s local community for use in local
and community gardens. Croke Park’s community
outreach supports its
youngest to its oldest
neighbours through a
schedule of community gain
and regeneration projects, as
well as special community
events that help and give back
Croke Park won the
Community Integration Award
to the stadium’s neighbours in at the recent World Stadium
a real and tangible way.
Congress Awards. Pictured
with the award is Julianne
In addition to its annual local
Savage, Community & Public
recruitment drives, a thriving
Affairs Officer
Community Fund has allocated over €900,000 in support
to local groups since 2009. One of the biggest Cúl Camps in
the country is specially subsidised by the stadium for its
youngest neighbours, and a senior citizens Christmas Lunch
Beverage cups are made from vegetable-based plastics which
celebrated its Sweet 16 year in 2017.
can be disposed of in the stadium’s organic waste stream
Meanwhile, conference attendees visiting the stadium have
their still and sparkling water served in refillable glass
In partnership with An Garda Síochána, Croke Park was
PARTNERING UP
bottles. The next step for the stadium is to further reduce
the plastic consumed in match-day catering options, and the the proud supporter of the local area’s first ever Garda
stadium sustainability and catering teams are working Youth Awards, which recognise and celebrate the special
together to bring in measures before the end of the 2018 contribution young people make in communities across
season that will see disposable plastic being phased out in the stadium’s community area.
bars and concession units.
Working with Dublin City Council, the regeneration of
The efforts to reduce plastic waste production in the stadium Croke Villas, unveiled in 2017, will provide new housing,
are part of an ongoing broader waste strategy in Croke Park a new entrance to Croke Park and the building of a world
that has not only seen the stadium maintain a 0% waste- class National Handball and new Community Centre
to-landfill record since 2014 but also achieve a year-on- on Sackville Avenue. Ground has been broken on this
year reduction in overall waste production, as well as project, which is a further investment of €6.5m in the
constant improvements in recycling figures to nearly 80%. local community by the stadium.
62 BUS INES S PLUS A UG UST 2018
Responsible Business at Bank of Ireland
Our purpose, ‘enabling our customers,
colleagues and communities to thrive,’
together with our values, are at the
heart of our approach to being a
responsible business.
Earlier this year, Bank of Ireland published its fourth annual
Responsible Business Report which has become an
important reference point for everyone within the
organisation as we strive to continuously improve the
Ruairí Barcley with his grandparents Sally and John Cotter and Rachel
culture within our business. It contains a comprehensive
Foster from Bank of Ireland during Positive Ageing Week 2017
account of the Group’s activities in 2017, including the
50:50 gender ratio
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
following highlights:
We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse place
G €2.8 million donated to charities in 2017. to work where our colleagues can be themselves and
G 1,300 employee volunteer days donated to charity and perform to their full potential, as well as reflecting the
community organisations. diversity of the customers we serve. As part of this, we have
G €14.1 billion in lending and the largest lender to the Irish committed to building greater gender balance within the
economy for the fourth year running. bank and set ourselves a goal of achieving an equal gender
G 24% reduction in CO2 emissions achieved through energy ratio in management and leadership appointments by 2021.
management programme since 2011. This goal, together with a range of supporting initiatives, will
G €15.2 million invested in colleague learning and help improve gender balance and achieve greater diversity
development. across the bank.
G 5,200 sports clubs supported through sponsorship.
Up the Hill for Jack and Jill
SHARING OUR SKILLS
In Bank of Ireland, we support all
colleagues to give their time and
fundraise for good causes,
facilitating their involvement
through matched giving and
volunteer days through an initiative
called Give Together. We encourage
our flagship charities to ask us for
help in areas where we have skilled
colleagues willing to lend a hand.
An example of this was Jack & Jill’s Up the Hill
campaign. A cross-functional team from within the bank
At Bank of Ireland’s Responsible Business Report launch were
Lesa McDonagh, left, Accelerate Programme participant; Johnny
Cox, With Pride Network; Francesca McDonagh, Group CEO;
worked in collaboration with the Jack & Jill team to
rejuvenate the campaign, design a new digital registration
Matthew Obamyonyi, Parents and Carers Network; and Audrey
platform and leverage free advertising space. The redesigned
Nolan, Head of CSR
campaign attracted double the participants of previous years
and has created a sustainable model for our charity partner,
Tea & Teach for older customers Jack & Jill, in the future.
PROMOTING FINANCIAL WELLNESS
As Ireland’s population ages, an increasing number of our
customers are over 65. One element of focus has been on
Low Carbon Pledge
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
helping older people to become more digitally literate
thereby enabling them to access products and services more We are committed to reducing the impact of our operations
easily and comfortably. Through our partnership with Age on the environment and have achieved a steady reduction in
Action, we brought young and older people together during our carbon emissions since 2011. In May 2018, Bank of
Positive Ageing Week when school children invited their Ireland signed up to the Low Carbon Pledge to reduce our
grandparents to school to teach them about technology. carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2030. The pledge is
This was led by our Digital Arrows, who host regular Tea & part of The Leaders’ Group on Sustainability, a
Teach sessions in local branches, libraries and community business coalition dedicated to addressing the most pressing
centres, to enable older people to get practical hands-on help sustainability priorities as well as future opportunities for
and advice on simple things like using their smartphone or a Ireland.
search engine.
B U S I N ES S PL U S AU G U S T 20 1 8 63
Transdev Ireland is to meet global carbon reduction targets set in the
COP21 Paris Agreement, and to ensure the long-term
sustainability of the Irish economy. To this end, this year
Transdev’s CSR agenda encompasses
environmental issues, community Transdev committed to the Business in the Community
Ireland Low Carbon Pledge, which commits all signatory
companies to reducing their Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas
concerns and employee wellness.
emission intensity by 50% by 2030.
Transdev has a vision to be Dublin’s preferred transport
provider. To realise this vision, we are continually striving
The LUAS and its maintenance depots and offices take up a
BIODIVERSITY
for the best, inspiring our employees to perform functional
duties to the best of their ability, ensuring the desired large footprint in Dublin and we are committed to protecting
outcomes for our customers, colleagues, communities and the biodiversity that is abundant across the system. In
the city of Dublin as a whole. Our CSR agenda has 2018, we are celebrating the biodiversity that Dublin has to
highlighted four main areas where we concentrate our offer by running a photography competition in partnership
sustainability and partnership efforts: the environment, our with An Taisce Green Communities and Diageo, which will
communities, our marketplace and our workplaces. allow communities to showcase biodiversity in the green
spaces and community gardens around them.
As a sustainable public transport operator, Transdev is
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
At Transdev, we are extremely
COMMUNITY ACTION
addressing one of the most pressing environmental
concerns worldwide: the growing impact of transport on proud of our community
the environment. Countries around the world still rely programmes and continue to
heavily on cars as the primary transport mode and with develop partnerships to
that comes a reliance on diminishing fossil fuels and other extend the scope of these
natural resources. With LUAS however, there is less air programmes across the
pollution, less noise, less vibration from road traffic and communities of Dublin. It all
fewer traffic jams. started with our work to
reduce anti-social behaviour
At Transdev, we believe that protecting the environment is and vandalism around the
an essential part of our ongoing activities and we implement LUAS system, which involved
an Environmental Management System that is working with schools and
externally certified to the ISO 14001:2015 standard. Through community youth groups to
the management system, Transdev’s policy is to develop awareness and
understanding of how the
Children at a Transdev
continuously work towards reducing waste generation,
LUAS community event
resource use and energy consumption. Since 2010, we have LUAS works, what effect anti-
increased recycling by 17%, reduced CO2 emissions by 45% social behaviour has on staff and what the knock-on
and reduced water usage by 52%. financial consequences are. The aim of the programmes was
about creating respect for the LUAS and the 100,000+
passengers per day that we transport.
At Transdev, we are aware that inspiring other businesses to
REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT
commit to reducing their carbon footprint is essential if Over the years these programmes have grown into
formalised initiatives whereby we aim to tackle the wider
societal issues that are faced by Transdev and the city of
Dublin. In addition to the above activities, we also now
look at the issues of homelessness, youth unemployment,
safety awareness and racism.
Homelessness in Dublin is an issue that Transdev must
HELPING HOMELESS
deal with on a daily basis as we operate the LUAS system.
Drivers, inspectors and maintenance staff interact
face-to-face with homeless people in and around the
LUAS system, and over the years we have built up
relationships with many, making us concerned for their
health and wellbeing. In 2015, Transdev was approached
by Inner City Helping Homeless to develop a new and
unique charity event, now known as #FillALuas
Shoebox Appeal.
The pollinator-friendly LUAS stop in Kilmacud: Transdev is
committed to protecting biodiversity across the system
64 BUS INES S PLUS A UG UST 2018In 2018, Transdev partnered with Airfield Estate in
Dundrum to help them promote their Breakfast Club
for kids, whilst at the same time educating the kids on
how to use the LUAS safely. Ten DEIS primary schools
from across the LUAS network attended the club over two
months and learnt all about where the food that they eat
for breakfast comes from. Afterwards, they received a
brief talk from a LUAS driver on safety issues when using
the LUAS and received a goodie bag of LUAS
merchandise.
Transdev’s vision is to be Dublin’s preferred transport
CUSTOMER FOCUS
provider. To do this we need to ensure that our passengers
are prioritised, and that we provide a safe and efficient
service each day. Listening to passengers needs and
At Christmas, Transdev invites customers to drop off shoe boxes
requirements is key, and to this end we run Customer
filled with items for the homeless, with the aim of filling a LUAS
tram. Pictured is Damien Woods, Revenue Protection Coordinator
Satisfaction surveys and Meet the Manager events several
Transdev provides a tram at Connolly LUAS platform for a times each year to gather comments and opinions, and to
day in the lead-up to Christmas and mans it with staff help us focus our activities on the areas of most concern.
volunteering from across the
company. The tram becomes the Transdev has introduced campaigns
focal point, with members of the to reduce fare evasion and operates
public coming by all day to drop off an initiative called Tram Watch.
‘Transdev’s policy is to
shoe boxes filled with necessary continuously work towards This is where our Revenue Team,
items for the homeless. Last year we working with the Gardaí and the
collected 20,000 shoe boxes. reducing waste generation, Department of Social Welfare,
In addition, the charity collects sweep trams checking for valid
much-needed funds to sustain its tickets and ensuring that passengers
resource use and energy
services. consumption’ understand the consequences of not
paying for their tickets.
In relation to youth unemployment, we have a long-standing
SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
partnership in place with St Aidan’s Community School in Transdev’s staff are pivotal to how we successfully operate
WORKPLACE SUPPORT
Tallaght which is facilitated by Business in The Community the LUAS system. We listen to their needs and
Ireland through its Skills at Work programme. Staff from requirements through several platforms, including
Transdev introduce the students over a few sessions to the collective bargaining agreement with their representatives.
realities of the workplace, teaching them how to build a CV Staff surveys are run on an annual basis and in 2017,
and getting them ready for interviews. We also provide work through a process called LUAS in Collaboration,
experience placements each summer to the high performing several recommendations were implemented, including
students. refurbishment of welfare facilities at the Red Cow Depot
and offices, new bike lockers for staff, and a celebration
event for the 26 nationalities through a staff diversity day.
Each year we run a health and wellbeing week across our
three depots, which has a fantastic uptake. Health nurses,
nutritionists and physiotherapists attend the depots to
undertake screening sessions and provide advice to staff.
In addition, the Bike to Work scheme is promoted by a
bike shop, and Dublin Fire Brigade provide training in
giving CPR to staff who are interested.
To conclude, our CSR focus is on sustainability and
COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
partnership. We believe in collective responsibility.
We do not have all the solutions, but we can share our
knowledge and expertise to the benefit of the LUAS
customer and the city.
Transdev staff volunteer at St Aidan’s Community School in
Tallaght to teach students interview skills and how to build a CV
B U S I N ES S PL U S AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 65B P S URVE Y C OR P O RATE SOCI A L RE SP ONSI BI LI TY
Good For Business
Effective CSR omás Sercovich was appointed as the practices to corporates. The organisation
new CEO of Business in the has worked with hundreds of companies
needn’t be
expensive,
and can be an
T Community Ireland (BITCI) in
January 2018. One of his mantras to
companies undertaking Corporate Social
Responsibility initiatives is don’t be afraid to
since then, providing guidance on CSR
initiatives, highlighting best practice and
offering a network to cross-pollinate for more
effective CSR activity.
admit that CSR is good for business. Sercovich worked with BITCI for nearly a
important tool to
engage with staff He explains: “I would like to see companies decade before assuming the CEO role. He
and customers not answering the question of why they do helped institute the organisation’s Business
CSR with ‘because it’s the right thing to do’. I Working Responsibly mark, an NSAI-audited
would like them to say yes, they are active in standard for sustainability and CSR that more
as well as the
community, CSR because it is good for communities, than 20 large firms have achieved.
writes but also because it’s good for business. Sercovich believes that BITCI’s work with
That’s the part that many enterprises are shy senior management in Irish businesses is
about saying.” relatively unique. “Around Europe, there are
Emily Styles
BITCI was founded by Tina Roche in 2000 very few organisations in which the
as a non-profit organisation promoting CSR conversations on CSR and sustainability
happen at the CEO level,” he says.
‘CSR is part of running
a successful business’
Sercovich stresses the business benefits of
corporates and SMEs promoting their good
work. “I met a company a few months ago that
said to me they don’t want to be too
‘flaithulach’ about saying what they’re doing.
It’s not about showing off – it’s just about
explaining what they do. We need to be more
explicit about the fact that CSR is part of
running a successful business.”
In Sercovich’s view, an important outcome
from CSR is staff engagement. “Additionally,
communicating your CSR to clients is not an
expensive exercise. Why not tell your clients if
you’re doing a fundraiser for a local charity?
The worst thing that could happen is that a
client might want to support or contribute.”
Sercovich also urges businesses to dismiss
the idea that CSR is an expensive undertaking.
“It doesn’t cost money to have a proper
employee engagement programme,” he says.
“Effective CSR activities are about setting a
policy and then orienting your efforts around
one theme or one organisation over a period of
time. To me, CSR is more about good
coordination and integration with the way
your business is run than it is about money.
“As for where to start, we have resources on
our website that provide a step-by-step
approach, as well as guidance on how to
Tomás Sercovich, BITCI partner with other organisations.”
66 BUS INES S PLUS A UG UST 2018B P S URVE Y C O R P O RATE SOCI A L RE SP ONSI BI LI TY
Helping Jobseekers
Every year, eeding Ireland’s Future (FIF) is in unemployment, while some companies have
an annual initiative between food and commenced with their own initiatives focusing
food companies
organise a
basic skills
F grocery companies and government
departments to offer pre-employment
skills to young unemployed people and early
school leavers. Though youth unemployment
on assisting local groups,” Carolan explains.
Irish Distillers has been involved with FIF
since it launched in 2014. “A central pillar of
our CSR strategy is sharing our skills,
has been reducing, there were 25,450 under- knowledge and expertise in a practical way,
programme for
unemployed 25s claiming the dole in June 2018. which has an immediate and tangible impact,
young people, The FIF programme takes place over two so FIF is exactly the type of initiative that we
weeks every May and participating companies are excited to get involved in,” says Claire
provide young jobseekers with practical help MacCarrick, public affairs and CSR manager.
writes
Karina Corbett and advice on their CVs, interview techniques “This year we held a CV workshop and
and job-searching skills, as well offering them interview skills session at the Jameson
an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of Distillery in Bow Street. Participants gave
a range of careers. This year, around 300 written feedback after the event, which was
young people took part. overwhelmingly positive and therefore very
The 20 companies supporting FIF in 2018 rewarding for those who organised the
included Aryzta, Britvic, Coca-Cola, sessions,” MacCarrick adds. “FIF is a great
Dunnhumby, Excel Recruitment, Gala, initiative because there is a clear focus on what
Goosebump, Irish Distillers, Keelings, Kellogg, needs to be achieved and this enables us to
Maxol, Mars, Nestlé, Shelfstock, Wallace deliver a positive impact for participants.”
Myers and 1 Plus Security. At Mars Ireland, FIF is an important
FIF is organised by Efficient Consumer component of its CSR strategy, according to
Response Ireland (ECR), and general Katherine Hogan, corporate affairs director.
manager Declan Carolan says the programme “Last year we launched our Sustainable in a
has assisted almost 4,500 young people in Generation plan,” says Hogan. “One of its key
the past five years. pillars is Thriving People, which aims to
“Our experience of assisting young people meaningfully improve the working lives of
has highlighted how poorly prepared many people in our value chain, to enable them to
jobseekers are with respect to their standard thrive. FIF is an ideal way of bringing this
of CVs, interview skills and self-confidence,” pillar to life in Ireland.
he says. “It is mainly in these areas that “Each year we open our doors to programme
companies can participate with FIF by participants who are eager to make themselves
imparting their knowledge and improving more employable. Empowering your team to
the readiness of young people to enter the give back to their community in a fun,
jobs market.” practical and tangible way is invaluable to the
While Ireland has plenty of food modern workforce.”
manufacturers and retailers, the number of FIF
company participants was down slightly this To find out about becoming involved
year. “Perhaps companies see less of a pressing with Feeding Ireland’s Future in 2019,
need to become involved due to the reduction go to ecrireland.ie
Fruit company Keelings participates every year in Feeding Ireland’s Future
B U S I N ES S PL U S AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 67Bewley’s
For over 20 years, Bewley’s has championed Fairtrade
ETHICAL TRADING
From our origins in 1840 as a Quaker
here in Ireland and has always shared values rooted in
community, equality, justice and integrity. All Bewley’s
company, Bewley’s has maintained a focus
branded coffee is now 100% Fairtrade certified. Through
on improving the lives of everyone along
the coffee and tea supply chain, whilst guaranteed orders and prices, we allow coffee growers to
create better futures for their families and communities and
also enable them to invest in producing the finest coffees.
achieving strong business results.
Bewley’s has developed its sustainability
We also support Rainforest Alliance – a non-profit
organisation that leads international conservation
strategy across three areas of activity:
programmes. Rainforest Alliance certification combines the
the environment, ethical sourcing and
relationships, and involvement in the economics of good farm production with better trading
practices to secure improved livelihoods for farm families
and workers, and improved ecosystem conservation.
local community.
As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER
Bewley’s is making it as easy as possible for their customers
to be environmentally friendly on the go with the launch of
100% recyclable and 100% compostable cups.
Bewley’s Grafton Street is
leading the way as the first
location that will have the 100%
recyclable cups on offer and, as
Bewley’s works with coffee
operators in the Irish market,
customers around the country
are able to take their coffee
Fairtrade farmers Harris and Heidi from Soppexcca visit Bewley’s
away in one of the new
head office in Northern Cross to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight
recyclable or compostable cups.
In over two decades, one of Ireland’s longest running one-
SUPPORTING HOSPICE SERVICES
Bewley’s has also become the day charity events has raised over €32 million for hospice
first Irish company to launch a care nationwide and served over 16 million cups of coffee.
range of 100% compostable
Bewley’s new 100%
Bewley’s has been
Compostable Capsule range
coffee capsules. Thousands of the sole sponsor
Irish coffee drinkers start their day by popping a capsule of of Ireland’s
ground coffee into a machine for the perfect morning brew. Biggest Coffee
However, as convenient as these capsules are, they come Morning for
with a cost to the environment due to their un-recyclable Hospice since
packaging. it first began
in 1993.
While the coffee market in general is growing at 1.6% year-
on-year, capsule sales are growing at almost 15% year-on- In addition to
year. Bewley’s has become the first Irish company to tackle providing all the
this growing environmental problem by creating a brand- fresh ground
new range of 100% compostable capsules that you can coffee free for
drop into your organic recycling (brown) bin. Most other coffee mornings
coffee capsules on the market are made from a combination nationwide,
of plastic and aluminium and are not biodegradable. Bewley’s provides Mario Rosenstock (left) and Keith Duffy
all marketing
Made from renewable raw materials, Bewley’s new capsules
launching Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning,
support for the
break down in just 12 weeks into CO2, water and compost.
which raised €1.7m in 2017
campaign each year. Last year, Ireland’s Biggest Coffee
As well as reducing the amount of packaging from the Morning for Hospice together with Bewley’s raised a much-
previous Bewley’s capsule range, there is less energy used needed €1.7 million for local hospice and homecare services
and fewer greenhouse gases emitted during production of nationwide to meet with growing demands for the service.
the new capsules.
68 BUS INES S PLUS A UG UST 2018ABP
At ABP Food Group, working with and
supporting our local communities has
been an important part of our business
for over 60 years.
Standing for Tomorrow, our group-wide CSR
programme, includes a number of community, people and
sustainability initiatives. ABP is a founding member of
Origin Green and is the first company to receive quadruple
certification from the Carbon Trust in recognition of the
measures we have introduced to reduce our environmental
ABP’s Thomas Deignan demonstrating Farm Safety at the
impact. ABP has also been a strong promoter of farm safety,
BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2018
with particular focus on young people, encouraging them to Each team is also assigned a special project to explore
bring innovative solutions to solve farm safety problems. innovative and forward-looking techniques and proposals
for the future benefit of meat production across the supply
chain. Apart from learning about the intricacies of the beef
Across the food industry, there is always the question of supply chain, all finalists receive the profits from rearing their
CIRCULAR SOLUTION TO FOOD WASTE
what to do with waste. We took on the challenge of finding a calves, and one overall winner wins a bursary for their school.
way to turn what others discard into a resource. This led to
the formation of our renewables division Olleco.
As one of Ireland’s leading agri-business companies, ABP is
FARM SAFETY
Today, Olleco has committed to creating awareness and empowering young
created an organic people, particularly those from rural backgrounds, to
recycling initiative advocate for safer farms. ABP’s special farm safety prize
that provides a at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition
circular solution to encourages children to come up with creative and innovative
the problem of food solutions to farm safety issues on farms.
waste. We collect
waste food and used
cooking oil from
50,000 food
manufacturing,
catering and
Olleco produces biodiesel from
used oils and fats
hospitality sector customers across the UK and bring it to
our newly-constructed recycling centre.
This features a biodiesel plant, powered by an anaerobic
digester, and uses waste food to produce renewable heat and
power. This, in turn, is used to run a conversion technology
that produces biodiesel from the used oils and fats. It’s an
example of a successful circular economic model, with the
final product saving more than 95% greenhouse gas
Students who participated in the ABP Angus Youth
emissions compared to fossil fuels.
Challenge 2018
ABP also hosts a Farm Safety Zone at the three-day event
which is visited by over 60,000 people each year. The
company is also a patron of Embrace Farm, Ireland’s only
PROMOTING AGRICULTURE TO THE
The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is a unique initiative support network for those impacted by accidents on farms.
NEXT GENERATION
where 14- to 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland with an
interest in a career in agriculture or agri-food production
compete for a prize of raising Aberdeen Angus calves.
Crucially, there is no requirement to live on a farm to take
part. The finalists are presented with their Aberdeen Cross
calves and rear them with the assistance of ABP through a
farm-to-fork skills development programme.
B U S I N ES S PL U S AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 69Abbott
At Abbott, we leverage the skills and
passion of our employees to empower local,
national and international communities.
Abbott is one of the largest healthcare companies in Ireland
with more than 3,000 colleagues working in nine sites
across the four provinces. In addition to commercial
operations and business service centres in Dublin, we have
manufacturing facilities for our diabetes care business in
Donegal, for nutrition in Cootehill and Sligo, for diagnostics
in Sligo and Longford, and for vascular devices in Clonmel.
Three of our plants have received the prestigious Shingo
Prize, which recognises world class operational excellence.
By focusing on the areas where opportunities for Abbott’s
business intersect with positive social and environmental
Students and teachers from Killymard National School in Donegal,
impact, we aim to achieve sustainable growth, deliver
alongside Abbott Diabetes Care employees, at the official launch
life-changing technology and create value in communities
of the Growing Healthy People programme
around the world. In Ireland and around the world,
we work with organisations and community-focused Abbott employees have used their skills and expertise
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to leverage the to deliver innovative enterprise and life skills
skills and passion of our employees. programmes in more than 100 schools since the
Junior Achievement Ireland partnership began
Over ten years ago, Abbott in Ireland established The Croí in 2003.
an Óir programme, (which means Heart of Gold) to
Ignition is an engineering programme developed by
support the commitment of Abbott employees across the
employees at Abbott’s diagnostics facility in Sligo. The aim
country to give back to their local community. Since its
of the programme is to encourage young students to think
inception, Abbott employees have volunteered more than
about the various disciplines of engineering. Over six weeks,
70,000 hours. Through Croí an Óir, each Abbott site
Abbott engineers visit the school and deliver a range of
ensures that a range of local, national and international
engaging engineering activities. It culminates in a visit to
organisations are supported throughout the year.
the facility in Sligo.
Abbott Family Science engages primary school students, In 2017, Abbott’s vascular facility in Clonmel formed a
ACTIVE IN EDUCATION
their parents and teachers in learning about science through charity partnership with a local organisation chosen by
fun experiments. More than 600 Abbott volunteers have site employees. Following a selection and voting process,
been involved in engaging more than 10,000 students and Scoil Aonghusa Special National School was chosen. The
families in education programmes in Ireland since 2009. goal is to raise €60,000 to build and furnish a sensory
room for the school.
Growing Healthy People is a new programme in
Donegal, where a greenhouse has been donated to
Killymard National school, with Abbott volunteers
teaching the young students about biodiversity, the
environment, energy and good nutrition. Modules have
been developed with the support of the National Council
for Curriculum and Assessment.
Employees have been supporting the Abbott Fund
programme to modernise healthcare infrastructure in
Tanzania. Over the past seven years, our experts have
volunteered their time, knowledge and skills to help train
and mentor local laboratory teams. Their primary
objectives are to implement an integrated IT system for
patient registration and lab sample management, and to
train local staff to use the system.
Abbott has developed long-term relationships with schools
across all ten sites, delivering a range of STEM programmes
70 BUS INES S PLUS A UG UST 2018ESB
Creating a Brighter Future
ESB is committed to playing a role in
addressing the key social issues facing
Ireland today.
Last year, ESB celebrated 90 years since its founding in
1927 and has always had a strong sense of Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) supporting programmes that enhance
the social and economic fabric of Ireland. ESB is one of only
25 companies in Ireland that hold the Business Working
ESB is a major funder of suicide prevention services.
Responsibly Mark and in May 2018 it became one of the
Pictured with Dominic Layden of Aware (right) are (left to right)
first companies to sign the Low Carbon Pledge to reduce
Sean Walsh, Claire Kierans and Brian Gray from ESB Corporate
Centre presenting a cheque for €25,000 to Aware for the
Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2030.
recent 90 for 90 Challenge.
ESB has donated over €6.5m towards suicide prevention
SUICIDE PREVENTION
ESB has been involved in formal funding since it established
ENERGY FOR GENERATIONS FUND
services over the past 12 years. ESB joined forces with
its Electric Aid Ireland Fund in July 2005, rebranded to the Aware in a three-year partnership to support the
Energy for Generations Fund in 2014. In 2017, over nationwide roll-out of their Life Skills for Schools
€3m was disbursed across a range of community and issues- programme for Transition Year students. This programme
based initiatives. Nearly €1m of this was direct funding to aims to teach young people how to manage their feelings
135 charities working in the areas of suicide, homelessness and how to deal with the challenges that may come during
and education access and support. adolescence. In 2017, ESB also committed its support to
Jigsaw’s MyWorld Survey 2, a large research
programme aimed at mapping today’s youth mental
To assist young children to set off on the best possible start
EDUCATION MATTERS
health landscape.
with their education, ESB is supporting programmes such
as Time to Read, Makeshop and TechSpace. ESB also
supports An Cosán’s Virtual Community College, ESB provides support to employees who volunteer in their
EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERING SUPPORT
Ireland’s first virtual adult education platform, which communities. Any employee who volunteers for over 20
aims to increase access to further and higher education hours with a charity
nationwide and address social inequality through online can request that ESB
and mobile technology. donates €250 to that
organisation. Over
40,000 volunteered
Engaging employees in ESB’s CSR programmes is important.
90 FOR 90 CHALLENGE
hours were recorded
To celebrate its 90th anniversary, ESB employees were given by employees in 2017,
the opportunity to vote for the charity they most wanted benefiting charities
the organisation to support. Votes were earned by clocking such as Alone,
up 90 kilometres by cycling or running. Aware, Simon Aware, COPE
Communities of Ireland, ElectricAid, An Cosán Virtual Foundation, Enable
Community College, Aware NI and Irish Red Cross each Ireland, Scouting
received a share of €90,000 at the end of the challenge. Ireland, Special
ESB Volunteer Christopher Julian with
children from St Mary’s National School,
Olympics Ireland and Fairview, Dublin 3, participating in the
St Vincent de Paul.
Staff from across ESB setting off on a 90km cycle in the
Time to Read programme 2017/2018.
midlands as part of ESB’s 90th Anniversary celebrations which
saw the company donate €90,000 to six Irish charities.
ElectricAid is the social justice and development charity
INTERNATIONAL CSR
of ESB and EirGrid employees and pensioners. The charity
receives support from ESB in the form of 2:3 matching
contributions up to an annual ceiling of €275,000. In 2017,
ElectricAid supported 150 development and relief projects
with funding of almost €1.2m. Funding was made
available in Ireland and in 37 countries in Asia and
sub-Saharan Africa.
B U S I N ES S PL U S AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 71You can also read
