IoD Ireland Briefing Spotlights Boardroom Strategies for Climate Action

(From L to R: Sheila Byrne, Head of Learning and Education, IoD Ireland; Dr. Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer at Tirlán; Barry Gavin, Non-Executive Director; and Niamh O’Gorman, Sustainability Lead at Accenture Ireland; and  Dr Michelle Cullen, Managing Director, Accenture).

Last evening, the Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland hosted a highly anticipated briefing on climate governance and sustainability at The Westbury Hotel in Dublin. The event, part of the IoD Briefing Series and sponsored by Accenture, focused on enhancing understanding of the environmental component of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) with a special emphasis on the duties and responsibilities of boards in addressing climate-related challenges.

The in-person event, exclusive to IoD Ireland members, was opened by Caroline Kinsella, Member and Board Services Director, IoD Ireland. We were also delighted to welcome Dr Michelle Cullen, Managing Director, Accenture, who acknowledged the strength of the Briefing Series and thanked IoD for their continued collboration. Michelle also highlighted the value of IoD Ireland membership, and the support it gives her as a director. 

The event featured a distinguished panel of experts who provided insights into the critical role of board governance in fostering sustainability. The expert speakers included Dr. Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer at Tirlán; Barry Gavin, Non-Executive Director; and Niamh O’Gorman, Sustainability Lead at Accenture Ireland. The panel was moderated by Sheila Byrne, Head of Learning and Education, IoD Ireland. 

(Pictured L to R: Sheila Byrne, Head of Learning and Education, IoD Ireland; Dr. Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer at Tirlán; Barry Gavin, Non-Executive Director; and Niamh O’Gorman, Sustainability Lead at Accenture Ireland).

Together the panel addressed the key duties and responsibilities of a director to driving climate governance and becoming netzero, including conducting a risk assessment. They discussed some of the issues around this area, including the stop start impact on building the momentum and 'green hushing'.  Clear and effective communications with all stakeholders was highlighted as an essential element in leading to change, from investors to customers to employees. 

The event underscored the increasing importance of climate governance in corporate strategy and the vital role that directors play in guiding their organisations towards a more sustainable future. The duties and responsibilities of being a director were addressed, including key legislative and compliance items like CSRD, CSDDD. The panel ended by addressing the practical steps that directors and members could take to help their organisations make a tangible  impact. This included highlighting the importance of continued learning and education on ESG, due its complexity. 

The IoD Briefing Series continues to serve as a key platform for directors to exchange knowledge, build expertise, and stay abreast of the latest developments in governance and sustainability. Kindly sponsored by Accenture Ireland.