Irish Businesses Prioritize Cost Savings in Sustainability Strategies

New research from energy transition company Pinergy, conducted in collaboration with iReach Insights, highlights the critical motivations and challenges faced by Irish businesses as they develop energy sustainability strategies for 2026. The findings, published in the comprehensive ‘Pinergy Energy Sustainability Research Study’, reveal that cost efficiencies are the primary driver for investment in sustainable initiatives, with 68% of businesses identifying this factor as their main motivation.

The study also indicates that 26% of businesses are focused on enhancing their resistance to energy price volatility. Despite a clear intent to adopt green technologies, including solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) fleets, two significant challenges emerge. First is the ‘Energy Monitoring Gap’, where 46% of businesses actively track their energy usage, but 25% only monitor it when the bill arrives, and 29% do not monitor it at all.

Additionally, the research identifies a ‘Sustainability Leadership Vacuum’. A troubling 28% of businesses reported having no designated individual or department responsible for driving energy management and sustainability initiatives. This lack of accountability presents a substantial opportunity for improved energy governance.

Daire Keating, chief commercial officer at Pinergy, emphasized the importance of these findings. “The results clearly illustrate that Irish businesses are not viewing sustainability merely as a ‘nice-to-have’ or an environmental concern; it is now a strategic imperative driven by financial considerations,” Keating stated. He acknowledged the dual pressures of seeking cost savings and energy independence as vital catalysts for change. However, he warned that without effective measurement and clear leadership, sustainability initiatives risk losing momentum.

Key insights from the ‘Pinergy Energy Sustainability Research Study’ include:

Financial Drivers and Organizational Challenges

– Financial motivations dominate, with 68% citing cost efficiencies as their main reason for investing in energy sustainability in 2026. Other motivations include meeting regulatory requirements (33%) and improving resilience against energy price fluctuations (26%).

– The ‘Energy Monitoring Gap’ remains a critical issue, as nearly half (46%) of businesses actively monitor their energy usage. Alarmingly, 25% only check their usage when bills are received, and 29% do not monitor it at all.

– The ‘Sustainability Leadership Vacuum’ highlights that 28% of businesses lack a formal leader or department dedicated to energy management and sustainability efforts.

– A clear intent for carbon reduction is present, with 40% of Irish businesses having set specific targets to decrease carbon emissions by the end of 2026. An additional 24% are actively considering establishing such targets.

Emerging Trends in Energy Sustainability

– Solar energy installations are on the rise, with 43% of surveyed businesses already having solar panels. Among those without, 24% plan to install them in 2026.

– A growing number of businesses are migrating to green energy, with 21% of those not currently using renewable electricity planning to make the switch in the coming year.

– The adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is also increasing; more than 63% of businesses incorporate these vehicles into their fleets, with 22% already fully electrified. Nearly 38% of businesses with non-EV fleets plan to transition more vehicles to fully electric by 2026.

Persistent challenges remain for businesses looking to implement energy efficiency measures. The most significant barriers include perceived upfront investment costs (42%), difficulties in securing financing (29%), and a lack of internal expertise (25%).

With the research based on responses from 100 energy decision-makers across Ireland, it provides critical insights for companies refining their business plans for the year ahead. Keating remarked, “While the intent and ambition are clearly evident, the research underscores areas where businesses require additional support, from effective energy monitoring solutions to advice on investment and establishing internal accountability.”

Pinergy is dedicated to aiding Irish businesses in addressing these challenges. The company offers tailored solutions designed to empower businesses to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce costs, and secure a more predictable energy future.