Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023
85. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on NewERA monitoring of the implementation of commitments in the commercial semi-State framework; what conclusions NewERA drew in their latest report; what is the progress of semi-states to implement commitments in the commercial semi-state framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45620/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2022, the Government approved a Climate Action Framework for commercial semi-state bodies (CSBs), reflecting the exemplar role they are to play in decarbonisation and supporting the objectives of the Climate Action Plan, while also recognising the need for commercial independence in their respective operating environments. The Framework sets out five commitments by CSBs in relation to their climate action objectives:
• Governance of Climate Action Objectives
• Reduction Target and Emissions Measurements
• Measuring and Valuing Emissions in Investment Appraisal
• Circular Economy and Green Procurement
• Climate Related Disclosures in Financial Reporting
The Framework has now been adopted by the boards of all 25 of the CSBs currently within its scope.
NewERA has undertaken an initial review of implementation of the Framework. This review was undertaken on an aggregated, anonymised basis, and indicates significant progress has been made as regards implementation. A summary of this review has been published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/337b6-public-sector-climate-action-mandate/
Based on information received by NewERA from individual companies, many are well advanced in their implementation of the five commitments in the Framework, while others are at earlier stages of implementation of the commitments.
Commitments 1 (Governance of Climate Action Objectives), 2 (Reduction Target and Emissions Measurement) and 4 (Circular Economy and Green Procurement) have been widely adopted and have been successfully implemented in many of the companies. In relation to Commitment 2, emissions reporting via the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Monitoring and Reporting (M&R) system is well established amongst the CSBs.
Adoption of Commitments 3 (Emissions Valuation in Investment Appraisal) and 5 (Climate-related Disclosures in Financial Reporting) has been slower. NewERA is considering additional guidance that could be provided to support companies in relation to the implementation of these commitments.
NewERA intends to provide a further update to my Department on the implementation of the Framework in the first half of 2024.
