Striking the balance
A recent Business Post/Red C poll found that 56% of Irish voters believe “securing Ireland's economic future should be prioritised over hitting Ireland's climate targets”. In comparison, just 17% said: “Hitting Ireland's climate targets should be prioritised over Ireland's economic future”. A further 23% were neutral on the issue. While this sentiment is certainly disappointing, given the immense potential the Green Transition has to transform our lives, and environments, for the better, it is also understandable, especially in sectors where economic growth, job security, and climate commitments sometimes feel at odds—such as aviation and data centres.
Yet, there is a path forward that does not force us to comprise economic resilience and environmental responsibility. Embracing climate action can unlock numerous financial benefits, making businesses more attractive to their consumer base, resilient in uncertain times as we face climate change, and ultimately more profitable in the long run.
As Managing Director of Ground Control Ireland, I firmly believe that we can lead the way in sustainable, economic growth while achieving climate goals. Here’s why—and how.
Climate Action and Economic Growth
At a macroeconomic level, climate action and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Ireland has the potential to lead globally in green industries, creating jobs and fostering innovation. The European Commission estimates that meeting climate targets could create over one million jobs across Europe by 2030, and Ireland is well-positioned to capture a share of these opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable construction, and green technology.
Green innovation also attracts global investment. According to the United Nations, countries leading in sustainability receive 30% more foreign direct investment. Ireland’s capacity to draw green technology firms, from clean energy startups to data centres powered by renewables, strengthens our role in the global green economy. In energy-intensive sectors like data centres, investment in sustainable energy solutions provides a growth path aligned with climate targets.
Climate Action as a Pathway to Growing Your Business
As consumer awareness of climate issues grows, businesses committed to sustainability are increasingly attractive to the public. According to a 2024 PWC study, consumers say they are willing to spend 9.7% more, on average, for sustainably produced or sourced goods, as almost nine-in-ten (85%) report experiencing first-hand the disruptive effects of climate change in their daily lives, while a 2022 McKinsey survey found that 67% of consumers consider a company’s environmental credentials when making purchasing decisions. Climate-conscious brands often enjoy higher levels of trust and loyalty, driving repeat business and competitive advantage.
On top of this, businesses that adopt sustainable practices are more resilient and insulated from the price volatility we’ve seen in recent years, particularly in relation to energy. For example, companies that prioritise energy efficiency can significantly reduce costs. According to the International Energy Agency, improved energy efficiency could deliver up to $4 trillion in savings globally by 2030, allowing companies to reinvest in innovation and expansion.
Sustainable practices also enhance profitability. A 2020 Oxford study found green initiatives yield higher returns, and PwC reports that over half of global investors now consider sustainability in their decisions. Aligning with this trend supports long-term financial stability and drives economic growth.
Ground Control Solutions
At Ground Control, we have been living and breathing climate action, now offering our services to leading multinational blue-chip companies. We firmly believe that this growth has been driven by a genuine belief in our product offering – that we offer unrivaled sustainable solutions, which enable our clients to realise their climate action goals.
Our offerings empower businesses to operate more sustainably. Our energy optimisation systems allow companies to monitor and reduce energy consumption, lowering both emissions and costs. Renewable-powered remote monitoring solutions provide real-time data collection and oversight in energy-intensive sites, such as data centres, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, our resource management tools promote water conservation and waste reduction, essential for high-demand industries. Our expertise in biodiversity helps clients reduce carbon footprints through practical, impactful actions, from rooftop gardens to eco-friendly landscape planning.
By equipping companies with these tools, we’re helping Ireland’s industries evolve to meet climate commitments without sacrificing profitability, supporting a balanced approach to sustainable economic growth. As Ground Control Ireland moves forward, we are committed to this balanced approach, helping our clients realise their climate goals, without sacrificing economic growth. If you would be interested in hearing how Ground Control has helped clients in Ireland, and how our solutions can work for your business, feel free to reach to out.
