Businesses across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Bangor are strengthening collaboration on sustainability after a major climate-focused business event at the Royal Marine Hotel. The Sustainable Business Exchange placed practical action, shared expertise and local support at the centre of Dublin news, with companies examining how to reduce emissions while improving long-term resilience.
Hosted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber as part of the county’s Decarbonising Zone initiative, the October gathering brought together business leaders, sustainability specialists and public representatives. More than 427 sustainability-focused businesses operate across the county, creating a substantial network for local climate action.
Local businesses focus on achievable climate solutions
The event opened with an overview of the Decarbonising Zone from Paul Kennedy, Director of Planning, Economic Development, Harbour and Property at Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Sharon O’Connor, a Chartered Director, SEAI board member and Belfast Harbour Commissioner, delivered the keynote address, titled “Why Decarbonising Pays”.
Speakers explored how climate measures can support business performance, reduce energy costs and create opportunities across the local economy. Topics included:
- Offshore wind and potential opportunities for local supply chains
- Renewable energy options for small businesses
- Reducing the environmental impact of maritime operations
- Renewable electricity and energy efficiency
- Carbon measurement and sustainability planning
- Circular economy principles, retrofitting and sustainable fashion
Representatives from RWE Offshore Development, Renewables Ireland, Irish Lights, SSE Airtricity, the Rediscovery Centre, EcoMerit and Frascati Centre shared examples from their respective sectors.
Dublin business leaders identify priorities for the next year
Business-to-business discussions and a panel session gave attendees an opportunity to focus on the barriers that often delay climate action. Discussions covered retrofit and energy delivery, ESG advice, tourism and hospitality, transport, mobility, the circular economy and the coastal economy.
Participants were encouraged to consider three practical questions: what can their organisation change within 12 months, what is preventing progress and what support would make action easier? The approach reflects a wider shift from broad sustainability commitments towards measurable steps that businesses can implement and review.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council outlined available energy advice, grant supports and resources connected with the Decarbonising Zone programme. The Council also invited businesses to help pilot new approaches to energy savings, retrofits and circular economy development.
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Next steps for the Decarbonising Zone
DLR Chamber said it will follow up with participating businesses and connect organisations at different stages of their sustainability journey. The Chamber also plans to develop further events focused on sharing practical experience and effective solutions.
Its policy unit is preparing a paper based on the event’s findings, working with Alan Lee and the Council’s Climate Action team. The document is expected to identify the practical supports businesses need to take climate action within the Decarbonising Zone.
Cross-border cooperation was another important theme. Frank Shivers of Bangor Chamber of Commerce proposed stronger links between the Bangor and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown business communities, creating more opportunities to exchange sustainability knowledge across the island.
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A collaborative model for sustainable growth
Colette O’Sullivan, CEO of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber, said participating businesses had clearly identified the support they needed. The Chamber’s message was straightforward: begin with one measurable change, assess the result and continue building momentum.
Funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Decarbonising Zone Demonstrator Fund from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the exchange demonstrated how public bodies, business groups and local companies can work together.
The clearest takeaway from this Dublin news story is that climate progress does not depend solely on large-scale projects. Consistent improvements in energy use, carbon measurement, transport, procurement and circular practices can help create a more sustainable Dublin business community.