SUSTAINABILITY
InBUSINESS
KICKING FORWARD WITH SOLAR PLANS Munster Rugby is seeking planning permission for a 400kW peak solar installation at Musgrave Park in Cork as part of a 10-year partnership with Pinergy. Last November, Munster Rugby became one of a number of signatories to the Sports for Climate Action Framework, which is run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The club has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040. Pinergy already supplies 100% renewable energy to Munster’s Thomond Park and Musgrave Park. “This solar photovoltaic project is a significant milestone on our sustainability journey as we look to become one of the most sustainable clubs in world rugby,” said Ian Flanagan, Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer.
GREEN TALK
Former Munster and Ireland International Niamh Briggs
Energy transmission imperative A fully-connected, pan-European energy transmission system could reduce energy costs by 32% compared to a ‘businessas-usual’ approach, according to a study by University College Dublin’s (UCD) Energy Institute and commissioned by SuperNode – the tech development company founded by Eddie O’Connor in 2018. The study evaluated the capabilities of Europe’s transmission system based on the ‘SuperNode Energy Scenario for Europe 2050’. It found that removing the restrictions on power flows would allow the location of renewable generation to be optimised – which would significantly reduce the total installed capacity. “The existing transmission system is not fit for purpose for Europe’s energy future,” said Prof Andrew Keane, Director, UCD Energy Institute. “The imperative to keep the lights on and the requirements of the energy transition make it clear that a more advanced approach to transmission is required.”
Prof Andrew Keane, Director, UCD Energy Institute
HP Inc has introduced an initiative in Ireland called HP Amplify Impact as part of its goal to become “the most sustainable and just technology company by 2030”. Launched a year ago in California, it’s an assessment, resource and training programme, which provides partners with the opportunity to join HP in its efforts to generate meaningful impact on climate action, human rights and digital equity.
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InBUSINESS | SPRING 2022
08/04/2022 13:41