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Sandyford Business District launches Green Charter

SANDYFORD BUSINESS DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH BALLINA-BASED, MARY ROBINSON CENTRE, TO DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY IN THE DISTRICT

On the back of the partnership, the Association is set to launch a number of green initiatives targeted at making the district an increasingly sustainable place to live and work

The largest Business Improvement District (BID) in Ireland, Sandyford Business District, has today announced a partnership with Mayo-based centre for change, The Mary Robinson Centre, to empower and enable the district, its businesses and residents to become increasingly sustainable through a number of green-focused initiatives.

Aimed at helping companies to gain a clear understanding of the business case for climate action, and to help them to take stock of where they are on their sustainability journey, the Association through its partnership with The Mary Robinson Centre, hopes to see local businesses continue to build on their commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

In order to empower the local business community, SBD will introduce a number of initiatives. Key among them include;

The establishment of a Green Committee with overall responsibility for the strategic, sustainable development of the area

The introduction of a Green Charter aimed at getting businesses to pledge to undertake three initiatives, of their own choosing, which will make their business more sustainable

Allocation of “Biodiversity Champion” status where businesses pledge to work on projects that are fully sustainable and aligned to the objectives of the area

Creating solutions to decarbonise the district and prioritise multi-model sustainable transport options

Devising and implementing further bio-diversity projects, akin to Pocket Forest in the area

Driven by the Executive Committee’s desire to inspire more sustainable solutions for the business community, Sandyford Business District has a long-held record of introducing progressive initiatives aimed at solidifying its credentials, as a leading business district in Ireland. This newest strategic partnership with The Mary Robinson Centre, is testament to the foresight of the leadership of the district.

Ger Corbett, CEO of Sandyford Business District said:

“As part of our ambition to make the area a leading sustainability district, we are delighted to announce a strategic partnership with The Mary Robinson Centre to support our members to become more climate aware, and to help them to take steps to reduce their climate footprint.

Working with the Centre makes sense on a number of levels, as we endeavour to develop a green eco-system in Sandyford, that prioritises local action within The Mary Robinson best-practice framework.Driving sustainability initiatives in tandem with the stewardship of the Centre, Sandyford Business District will provide a green-model for other BIDs, towns, and villages to follow. With our shared desire to make local areas and communities more sustainable and enjoyable for everyone, we look forward to working together, with local stakeholders, to drive the necessary change, as we continue our national journey to carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Project Manager for The Mary Robinson Centre, Susan Heffernan said:

‘The purpose of The Mary Robinson Centre is to drive change, inspiring individuals and communities to take the actions necessary at a local level to achieve the changes necessary at a global level to address the climate emergency.

The success of Ballina’s Green Town initiative, and now Sandyford BID’s sustainability initiatives, are important steps towards fostering the behaviour changes at local level. The Centre is committed to supporting these projects and collaborating with communities as they work to achieve carbon reduction.’

About The Mary Robinson Centre

The Mary Robinson Centre is a Centre for Change, located in Ballina, Co. Mayo in the childhood home of Ireland’s first female President. It will explore the key themes and issues surrounding the legacy of the influential world leader, with a specific focus on human rights in the broadest sense.

The Centre will open in Spring 2023.

The Mary Robinson Centre is developed in partnership with Mayo County Council, NUI Galway and the local community. Mary Robinson’s extensive personal archive and memorabilia, gifted to NUI Galway, will be displayed in the house she grew up in, in Ballina, Co. Mayo, which will become an educational outreach facility for NUI Galway in Mayo.

Ballina’s Green Town initiative is a community led sustainability initiative, supported by The Mary Robinson Centre, and seeks to make Ballina Ireland’s greenest town.