Businesses back energy supports as costs bite in Ireland

Techies Go Green has launched the Smarter Energy Challenge after new research for the group found that 76% of business leaders want major energy support in Budget 2027.

The survey found that 69% of business leaders would struggle to absorb another sharp increase in energy costs, while 43% said higher bills had already reduced profits.

Research by Censuswide among 200 business leaders across the island of Ireland pointed to broader strain on company finances and investment plans. Some 28% said they had increased prices for customers, 51% had delayed or cancelled energy-related investment, and 18% said higher energy costs had delayed recruitment.

The findings suggest cost control is now a stronger driver of sustainability spending than environmental goals for many businesses. Almost two-thirds of respondents, or 65%, said cost savings were a primary reason for sustainability investment, compared with 51% who cited environmental sustainability.

Regional split

The survey showed differences between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, 42% of respondents said they had increased prices for customers, compared with 23% in the Republic.

Sector results also pointed to acute pressure in some parts of the economy. Among Food & Beverage respondents, 89% said they would find another sharp rise in energy costs difficult to absorb. The figure was 81% for Healthcare & Social Care.

Techies Go Green, a not-for-profit business network with more than 1,000 members, said the eight-week programme is designed to help organisations assess energy use and explore ways to reduce exposure to volatile costs.

The initiative includes online workshops, a Smarter Energy Planner and case study visits to operating sites. It also includes a conference focused on business energy costs, investment decisions and changes in the energy market.

Sites due to feature in the case study visits include Croke Park Stadium, Hibernia, Diageo Littleconnell Brewery and the Guinness Storehouse.

Commercial pressure

Michael O'Hara, Co-Founder of Techies Go Green, outlined the commercial backdrop to the programme.

He said: "When seven in 10 businesses say they would struggle to absorb another sharp increase in energy costs, the pressure they are under is clear. But what is also striking is that almost two-thirds now point to cost savings as a primary reason for sustainability investment.

"Businesses want to make progress, but increasingly they need to see a clear commercial return.

"That is what the Smarter Energy Challenge is built to do. We want to give business owners and energy decision-makers the practical knowledge they need to understand how their energy is being used, identify where money is being wasted, assess the technologies and finance options available, and make confident investments that lower costs, cut emissions and strengthen their business."

SEAI has joined the programme as platinum sponsor.

Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business Supports and Transport at SEAI, said the initiative can help organisations see what works in practice.

He said: "Ireland's energy transition will depend on practical action across the economy, and there is real value in seeing what is already working in practice.

"The Smarter Energy Challenge brings those examples together in a way that can help organisations understand the options available and build momentum around smarter energy use. We are delighted to support Techies Go Green as platinum sponsor."

The results add to evidence that energy inflation continues to shape pricing, hiring and capital spending decisions across Irish businesses. Many are now judging sustainability projects first through the lens of near-term financial return rather than longer-term environmental aims.

For companies facing another possible rise in costs, the survey suggests the pressure is already affecting day-to-day commercial decisions and delaying investment that might otherwise reduce future exposure to energy bills.