Sustainability and decarbonisation in Ireland’s largest Business Improvement District (BID)

Guest post by Ger Corbett,  CEO of Sandyford Business District, discusses optimising sustainable initiatives in the area, through local and European decarbonisation projects

When I assumed the role of CEO of Sandyford Business District (SBD) in 2022, I recognised the immense opportunity to implement impactful sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives within Ireland’s largest business improvement district. With over 1,000 businesses and 26,000 workers within the district, it became clear that our actions here could serve as a positive model for change for businesses and communities nationwide. Core to my ambitions is that as a key influencer in the area, SBD would not only address climate challenges, and enhance mobility but that we also ensure that SBD thrived as both a workplace and a residential area, during my tenure and beyond.

Why we need more sustainability and decarbonisation

Putting flesh on the bones of this commitment, the team at Sandyford launched a Project Green initiative and Green Charter for businesses several years ago. Since then, we have doubled down on our work and cultivated partnerships with local authorities and we have worked hard to secure support from various EU funding streams to enact positive change across the many facets that make up our district. We are also actively seeking businesses within the District to sign up the Green Charter and commit to some positive changes.

Transitioning to a circular economy

Last year, SBD was chosen to participate in the procurement buyers group for the EU-funded CircularPSP project. This project aims to support businesses in implementing innovative circular economy solutions across Europe. With a total investment of €5.64 million in research and development, our involvement in this initiative marks a significant achievement for us.

We are currently receiving submissions from suppliers, who offer solutions to the complex challenges of transitioning to a circular economy. The candidate business will utilise AI, taxonomies, missions, workflows, and upskilling technologies to help to effect change.

This project epitomises our commitment to bringing sustainable change to Sandyford, as we aim to establish the district as a resource-efficient hub for economic activity and residential living. SBD Project Manager, Fernanda Pinto Godoy, and I are proud to collaborate with experienced public procurers from five EU member states, the UK, and Turkey, who share our vision for a green circular transition in their respective cities and local areas.

Delivering a climate resilient business park for the area

Through the EU-led IB-Green project, SBD is collaborating with eleven partners from six countries in Northwest Europe, where we are focusing on facilitating climate adaptation measures specifically within industrial and business parks. With a total budget of €8.9 million, the project aims to reduce heat stress in these areas through the development of green and blue infrastructure.

Our work on this project is best understood through the manifestation of the Sandyford Green Infrastructure Project, a collaboration between the district and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. This project aims to transfer 0.8 hectares of land into a new Civic Park, which will be strategically located at the junction of Corrig Road and Carmanhall Road. Once completed, the Park will provide a place for residents, employees and visitors to linger and dwell in a biodiverse area which will serve as a beacon of sustainability, promoting healthier living and working conditions in the area.

Fostering shared modes of transportation

While life as a resident or employee in the district is being continuously enhanced, we are also keen to facilitate ease of mobility around the area. SBD recently announced a partnership with Trinity College Dublin which will trial a new smart mobility hub project over the next 18 months. The TRACT (TRAnsport Behaviour Change Trials) Project will include a TRACT Mobility Hub app, offering multiple travel options on one platform, disseminating information about shared transport modes, and encouraging a shift to more sustainable options.

During the trial period, we will conduct five surveys to gather feedback and insights on travel characteristics, behaviours, and potential barriers to adopting sustainable transport options in Sandyford.

In keeping with fostering shared modes of transportation, SBD is delighted to be partnering with See.Sense and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) on an innovative project which will encourage increased usage of bikes within the district. The project will issue 200 Sandyford commuters with Bike-Light Sensors capable of generating data on road surface conditions, travel routes, accidents and near misses. We intend to action this valuable data to help improve cycle infrastructure planning, prevent accidents, and encourage active travel in the district and the surrounding areas of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Both of these projects are about more than just reducing traffic congestion or lowering emissions; it’s about reimagining how we navigate our cities and communities. It’s about recognising the environmental impact of every journey and finding ways to minimise it while maximising accessibility and efficiency.

The Government’s Climate Action Plan and circular economy objectives require innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainability. I am proud to lead these initiatives and encourage the business community to join us on this journey as we continue to grow and evolve.

A shared vision for a better, more sustainable future

As a team, we are enthusiastic and committed to driving sustainable change in Sandyford. As CEO, it is my responsibility to lead our organisation toward a future that prioritises environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience. Sustainability is a fundamental principle that guides our decision-making and actions and focusing on these practices will create lasting positive impacts on our community, environment, and businesses bottom line.

I am confident that with our collective efforts, working in tandem, we can drive meaningful change and position our area as a leader in sustainability.

To learn more about Sandyford Business District, visit: www.sandyford.ie

IB-Green project: https://www.sandyford.ie/eu-funded/ib-green

CircularPSP project: https://www.sandyford.ie/eu-funded/circularpsp

Author bio:

Ger Corbett is CEO of Sandyford Business District, Ireland’s largest business improvement district, home to Mastercard, Microsoft, Vodafone, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Meta, Google, BNP Paribas and AIB among a host of other companies.

Ger commenced his tenure with Sandyford Business District as Commercial Manager in June 2021 before assuming the role of CEO in 2022. Throughout his leadership, he has spearheaded the association’s initiatives to assist the district’s 1,000 companies, 26,000 employees, and 5,000 residents in overcoming pandemic-related challenges and adapting to the evolving economic landscape.

Under his guidance, Sandyford Business District has continued to foster meaningful collaborations with the district’s co-funder and local council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, as well as esteemed academic institutions including Trinity College Dublin, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT)  and the Irish Management Institute (IMI).

Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing the district’s sustainability efforts, Ger has played a pivotal role in the inception of Project Green, SBD’s ambitious environmental agenda. He has successfully secured funding for various circular economy initiatives, shared mobility schemes, and climate resilience projects at local, national, and European levels. Ger’s leadership in the district’s European ventures has fostered collaborations with partner cities including Istanbul, Berlin, Helsinki, Guimarães, City Network Sweden, City Network Slovenia, and London.

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