Improving Corporate Biodiversity: A Complete Guide to Irish Nature Awards

Ireland is home to a very special collection of native flora and fauna. Even compared to the UK and rest of Europe our flora and fauna is an extremely rare mix of Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean species which oddly co-exist in harmony. This rare mix is found nowhere else on the planet. It can be hard sometimes to picture this, but Ireland is home to 101 different species of bee who are important for pollination. Over 100 species of wasp who control insect populations. 9 different species of Bat who protect farmland crops. Over 450 species of migratory/resident birds many who are endangered species. We have 11 species of beautiful damselfly and 14 resident species of dragonfly who are extremely important indicators of habitat health. Another astonishing number is the ~180 species of hoverfly we have that act as important pollinator powerhouses, some of which can pollinate plants that no other insect in Ireland can. We also have over 280 species of sawfly which look half ant and half wasp, this is because the sawfly is ancestor of the wasp and ant. We even have over 800 species of native wildflowers.

Unfortunately our native species have taken a huge hit over the last 30 years due to three factors:

Rapid industrialisation and city expansion.
Newly introduced, non - native (Invasive) species that overpower or kill native flowers, mammals, trees and birds.
Clearing of native trees and scrub in favour of manicured grassland.

Businesses small and large have a role in helping Ireland's biodiversity. All you need is a little know-how. We commonly come across companies that genuinely think they don't have anywhere on their grounds that can help biodiversity. So here are some very simple tips to get you inspired and thinking a little deeper on how you can use the spaces you have.

Probably the most untapped corporate biodiversity potential we have in Ireland. To get this ball rolling, speak with management companies, local authorities, your companies sustainability officers, form staff led biodiversity groups, and organise areas in the industrial park that can be left to grow wild or even actively rewilded.

If there are green areas, dedicate some of them as biodiversity areas instead of a manicured lawn that helps nobody. Another simple actions is to just simply place topsoil or sand on a unused section of the business park. You can even erect bat boxes, insect hotels and bird boxes around the business park. Activities like these can be great company-wide team bonding activities of even form an integral part of a companies sports and social groups.

They have huge potential. If your company has a car park that is completely baron and only contains tarmac, asphalt and concrete, then that is a hugely wasted opportunity. Incorporate flower boxes, the bigger the better. Maintenance of these boxes can be super low if you ensure you plant native perennial flowers. Perennial means that they will return year after year. Additionally by not replanting flowers every year you are actually allowing for other native species to naturally seed themselves into the boxes.

Image of an insect hotel being used in a corporate business park

Car Parks

Business Parks

A guide to corporate biodiversity actions

Write your text here...In here write a long text that will allow me to link to guides on bids, bats bees, invasives etc. In fact maybe make it a bullet point thing -

e.g. bullet on

Learn about Ireland's bees - [coming soon]
Learn about Ireland's bats - [coming soon]
Learn about Irish hoverflies - [coming soon]
Learn about Ireland's dragonflies
Learn about Ireland's damselflies - [coming soon]
Learn about Ireland's sawflies - [coming soon]
Learn about Ireland's native trees - [coming soon]
Learn about Ireland's Invasive species - [coming soon]
Learn about Ireland's native flowers - [coming soon]

Ireland's Nature [work in progress title] Helpful biodiversity guides for irelands flora and fauna

Corporate Social Responsibility

Importance of Environmental Social Governance

Why are Ireland's most successful companies pushing for a platform like the Irish Nature Awards?... It's because the most successful companies are always those with foresight.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a framework used to measure a company's sustainability, ethical impact, and operational risks.

Below there is a link to a PwC report which details the advantages of ESG for corporate entities and outlines why companies need to move on it quickly.

--> Read PwC report here

In brief, implementing ESG strategies is increasingly seen as essential for "future-proofing" a business. Key advantages include:

Talent Attraction: Younger generations (Millennials and Gen-Z) often prefer working for companies that align with their ethical values.
Risk Management: Identifying potential regulatory fines, supply chain disruptions, or reputational damage.
Access to Capital: Socially conscious investors use ESG scores from agencies like MSCI or Sustainalytics to screen potential investments.
Operational Efficiency: Reducing costs through energy conservation and waste reduction.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a framework used to measure a company's sustainability, ethical impact, and operational risks. It shifts focus from purely financial metrics to include environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate leadership. Investors use these criteria to identify long-term value and risks.

There are two key ESG Pillars:

Environmental (E): Evaluates a company's environmental impact, including carbon emissions, waste management, energy efficiency, and pollution.

Social (S): Examines how a company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and communities, focusing on labor standards, human rights, and diversity.

Governance (G): Assesses a company’s leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights.

ESG has moved beyond reputation management to become central to business strategy and risk management. It helps companies avoid regulatory issues, improve efficiency, and attract investment by addressing non-financial risks. Key reporting standards include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and IFRS Sustainability Standards.

To improve living standards in Ireland, industries needs to grow, and we know that expansion of cities is inevitable, however that doesn't mean that our native wildlife needs to suffer, these things can co-exist. In business Corporate social responsibility has become a critical priority. Although largely a voluntary pursuit, there is a growing expectation from the public for businesses to deliver a meaningful, positive impact on society.

The Irish Nature Awards is leading the way, and helping corporate entities to earn recognition for their love of nature and the steps they take to be Irish pioneers of corporate social responsibility.