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CIÉ and Sustainability

CIÉ and Sustainability

At CIÉ Group, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy and our overarching goal is to drive a sustainable business. With the support of our stakeholders the Department of Transport (DoT) and the National Transport Authority (NTA), we aim to meet the national targets set out in the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2023 and support the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The CIÉ Group sustainability strategy is a plan of action centred around the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental. Our targets and sustainability initiatives are framed within ten action areas, spanning topics such as biodiversity, diversity and equal opportunity, and energy efficiency.

An infographic on the pillars of sustainability, divided into Environmental, Social, and Economic categories.

Environmental Pillar

This section is represented by a large green circle with an icon of a globe, a wind turbine, and solar panels. It connects to four sub-categories.

Low Carbon Fleet Transition

This is represented by a small, circular green icon of an eye.

Energy Efficiency

This is represented by a small, circular green icon of a leaf.

Climate Resilience

This is represented by a small, circular orange icon of a sun behind a cloud.

Biodiversity

This is represented by a small, circular red icon of a water droplet.

Social Pillar

This section is represented by a large blue circle with an icon of three stylized people. It connects to three sub-categories.

Community Engagement & Heritage

This is represented by a small, circular orange icon of two speech bubbles.

Decent Work and Wellbeing

This is represented by a small, circular red icon of a heart with a pulse line.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

This is represented by a small, circular green icon showing diverse gender symbols.

Economic Pillar

This section is represented by a large orange circle with an icon of stacked coins featuring the Euro symbol. It connects to three sub-categories.

Transit-Oriented Development

This is represented by a small, circular orange icon of a building and a transit symbol.

Circular Economy

This is represented by a small, circular teal icon of an infinity loop.

Partnerships

This is represented by a small, circular blue icon of a handshake.

We are committed to becoming a fully sustainable business and we collaborate closely with our partners to embed sustainability throughout our operations and value chain. To ensure a holistic and global view of sustainability we have designed our strategy to align with the UN SDGs and Irish and European Union (EU) climate policy.

CIÉ Group Commitments

An infographic outlining the CIÉ Group's sustainability commitments, which branch out from a central logo.

Transition our diesel bus fleet to zero emission vehicles

Details include making 100% of the Bus Átha Cliath fleet zero emission by 2035, and 50% of Bus Éireann's fleet zero emission by 2030. This is associated with UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.

Decrease our GHG emissions by 51% by 2030

This commitment aligns with the Climate Action Plan 2023. It's associated with UN Sustainable Development Goals 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 13: Climate Action.

Deliver an expanded and electrified rail network through the DART+ Programme

This is associated with four UN Sustainable Development Goals: 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 13: Climate Action.

Increase energy efficiency by 50% by 2030

This aligns with the SEAI's energy efficiency targets for the public sector. It's associated with four UN Sustainable Development Goals: 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 13: Climate Action.

Deliver water saving initiatives across our operations in areas of high water usage

This is associated with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Plant 40 hectares of native trees on non-operational lands by 2030

This is associated with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Increase the recycling rate across CIÉ Group

Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann are targeting a 70% recycling rate by 2030. This is associated with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Continue to strive towards a gender balance in our workforce

This is associated with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Demonstrate alignment with the EU Taxonomy Framework by 2024

This is associated with UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.

CIÉ Group Mission, Vision and Values

Our Mission Pictogram for a mission block

At CIÉ Group, we are dedicated to providing efficient and accessible transport services that enhance the quality of life for our passengers and promote social inclusion. Our mission is to deliver a safe, efficient, and low carbon public transport network across Ireland, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Our Vision Vision pictogram

Together, with our passengers, partners, and communities, we are committed to transforming public transportation into a powerful force for positive environmental, social, and economic change.

Low Carbon Transport

sdg icon 13 sdg icon 11

Transform our bus and rail fleets to low carbon, zero tailpipe emission vehicles

Renewable Energy

sdg icon 7 sdg icon 9

Prioritise the adoption of efficient technologies and renewable energy sources

Responsible Resource Use

sdg icon 6 sdg icon 12

Promote the sustainable use of resources, safeguarding the environment for present and future generations

Inclusive Communities

sdg icon 5

Foster diverse and inclusive communities where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered

Our Values Values logo

Partnership logo Integrity logo

Effectiveness logo Respect logo

A photo of a new electric bus

Irish Transport Sector

Transport represents the second-largest source of GHG emissions in Ireland with over 11.6 million tonnes of GHGs emitted in 2022, accounting for 19.1% of total emissions.

Read more about Irish Transport Sector

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CIÉ Group Sustainability - Action Areas

CIÉ Group is taking action to meet our 51% GHG reduction targets with a transition to low and zero emission fleet technology and the introduction of measures to mitigate and improve energy efficiency across operations.

Read more about CIÉ Group Sustainability - Action Areas

Photo of a bus

CIÉ Group Sustainability Annual Review & Strategy

In our CIÉ Group Sustainability Annual Review 2022, we report the progress achieved across the Group to shift our operations to a more sustainable business and outline our plans for implementing this transformation over the next decade.

Read more about CIÉ Group Sustainability Annual Review & Strategy