Businesses across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel in October to share practical ways to cut emissions and improve sustainability. The Sustainable Business Exchange placed climate action at the centre of Dublin business discussions, with more than 427 sustainability-focused businesses operating across the county.
Hosted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber as part of the county’s Decarbonising Zone initiative, the event brought together organisations from DLR and Bangor. Speakers focused on achievable measures, from renewable electricity and energy efficiency to circular economy practices and lower-impact maritime operations.
Dublin business community focuses on practical climate action
Paul Kennedy, Director of Planning, Economic Development, Harbour and Property at Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, opened the event with an overview of the Decarbonising Zone. Sharon O’Connor, a Chartered Director, SEAI board member and Belfast Harbour Commissioner, delivered the keynote address, titled Why Decarbonising Pays.
The programme was designed to move beyond broad commitments and examine what businesses can change within the next 12 months. Discussions also explored the barriers companies face and the support required to make progress.
Expert contributions covered:
- Offshore wind and potential local supply chains, presented by Peter Lefroy of RWE Offshore Development.
- Renewable energy options for small businesses, discussed by Paul Bradley of Renewables Ireland.
- Greener maritime operations, with insights from Stephen Fraser of Irish Lights.
- The benefits of renewable electricity, outlined by Darrell Crowe of SSE Airtricity.
- Circular economy principles and carbon-footprint measurement, addressed by Rebecca Wilson of the Rediscovery Centre and Philip Walker of EcoMerit.
- Sustainable fashion and circular economy initiatives at Frascati Centre in Blackrock, presented by Viv Gaine.
Decarbonising Zone links businesses, council and community
The exchange included business-to-business discussions, audience contributions and a panel chaired by Flor MacCarthy. Topics included building retrofits, energy delivery, ESG advice, the coastal and blue economy, hospitality, tourism, transport and mobility.
Paul Kennedy said the Decarbonising Zone is intended to test climate action with businesses and communities, while gathering evidence about the support organisations need on their energy-saving journey. The council also outlined energy advice, grant supports and other resources available through the programme.
Cross-border cooperation was another feature of the event. Frank Shivers of Bangor Chamber of Commerce proposed closer links between the Bangor and DLR chambers to share sustainability knowledge and strengthen business connections across the island.
Next steps for DLR businesses
DLR Chamber CEO Colette O’Sullivan committed the organisation to following up with participating businesses, connecting companies at different stages of their sustainability work and developing further best-practice events.
The Chamber’s policy unit is now bringing together the event’s findings for a policy paper, working with Alan Lee and the council’s Climate Action team. The document will identify practical supports needed by businesses in the Decarbonising Zone.
The central message from the exchange was straightforward: businesses should begin with one measurable action, assess the result and then build on it. For Dublin business leaders, the event showed how collaboration can turn climate goals into specific operational changes.
Conclusion
The Sustainable Business Exchange has created a clearer platform for DLR companies, local government and business organisations to work together. Its emphasis on measurement, mentoring and accessible support offers a practical route for Dublin business to advance climate action over the coming year.