By Beth Gormley, Communications and PR Manager, UCD College of Business

The Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) Sustainability Handbook was recently launched as an essential tool for those in business tasked with setting strategic sustainability goals or for anyone with a wider interest in sustainability.

Download the BITCI Sustainability Handbook here.

As a member of the BITCI Leader Subgroup on Building Capabilities for the past 20 months, UCD College of Business Professor of Employment Relations Colm Mclaughlin played a critical role in providing input for the publication, drawing on the sustainability expertise of members of the UCD’s Centre for Business and Society (CeBaS), of which he is Co-Director. 

“The BITCI Sustainability Handbook was written for the business community, so it has a very practical and action-oriented focus on how organisations can become more sustainable, but is also an invaluable resource for teaching our students about sustainability,” said Professor McLaughlin who also represents the UCD College of Business as Coordinator for the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME).

According to the BITCI website: Transformational change is needed if we are to meet global commitments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, restoring nature and working towards a more equal society. To do this, we need to align on what sustainability means and on the pressing need for businesses to adapt and change.  

This handbook will help develop a common understanding of the role of business in working collectively to bring about a low-carbon economy and inclusive society. 
  
The BITCI handbook follows the Economic, Environment, Social and Governance (EESG) framework as used by the BITCI Business Working Responsibly Mark. 
 
The handbook includes best practice examples from across BITCI's membership, questions to reflect on leadership in sustainability, and draws on existing BITCI publications, academic insights from knowledge partners, and global and national insights gained through partners WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development and CSR Europe.
 
“I’m proud to have played a role in producing this very valuable resource and extend my appreciation to my UCD CeBaS colleagues for their input, to my fellow members of the BITCI Leader Sub-Group, and to Rebecca Kummert and Marian Curry of BITCI for their leadership in bringing this handbook to fruitions,” concluded Professor McLaughlin.