HEAnet Shortlisted for Sustainable Medium Business of the Year at PwC Business Post Awards 2025
HEAnet is proud to announce its shortlisting for the Sustainable Medium Business of the Year category at the PwC Business Post Sustainable Business Awards 2025. This recognition highlights HEAnet’s commitment to sustainability and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact while delivering critical digital services to Ireland’s education and research sector.
The PwC Business Post Sustainable Business Awards celebrate the most forward-thinking Irish businesses that are driving progress in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. As PwC notes, these awards recognise “the best-in-class Irish businesses across diverse ESG categories, celebrating those that are committed to demonstrating leadership and advancing sustainable practices.”
The judging panel was highly impressed by the calibre of entries received this year, stating that they were “blown away by the standard of entries the program received and with the amazing work taking place towards a more sustainable future for Irish business.”
A Commitment to Sustainability
HEAnet’s shortlisting is a strong endorsement of the organisation’s dedication to sustainability. Over the past three years, HEAnet has implemented significant changes to its technology infrastructure, resulting in a 62% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 90% increase in energy efficiency.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the new HEAnet Strategy 2025-2030, which commits to “integrating sustainability across environmental, social, and financial dimensions.” The strategy aims to further reduce HEAnet’s carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and align with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, ensuring a long-term, sustainable funding model.
ESG Achievements in 2024
HEAnet has made substantial strides in ESG initiatives, including:
- Formation of an ESG Council – A dedicated nine-member team representing all business areas.
- Implementation of a 37-point ESG policy plan for 2024.
- Participation in Public Sector SEAI Reporting and the establishment of CO2 and electricity usage baselines.
- Alignment with the Government Climate Action Plan to support national sustainability goals.
- Staff and Board environmental training, along with the introduction of a Climate Action Roadmap and environmental policies.
- Circular Economy initiatives – Partnering with sustainable disposal providers to manage e-waste and retired equipment.
- Renewable energy reporting and energy reduction plans across HEAnet’s infrastructure.
- Supplier engagement on Scope 3 emissions tracking to extend sustainability efforts across the supply chain.
These efforts place HEAnet on a strong trajectory to meet its five-year ESG strategy goals.
Award Ceremony
The winner of the Sustainable Medium Business of the Year award will be announced on Thursday, March 20th, 2025. This recognition underscores the critical role of sustainability in HEAnet’s operations and its contributions to a greener, more responsible future for Irish business.
HEAnet extends its gratitude to its team and stakeholders for their commitment to driving meaningful change.
