New Research from Skillnet Climate Ready Academy and University of Limerick Highlights Need for Upskilling to Drive Decarbonisation

New research from Skillnet Climate Ready Academy and University of Limerick, in partnership with 20FIFTY Partners, has identified a critical need for upskilling to support businesses to effectively implement measures to reduce their carbon footprint. 

The Breaking Boundaries: Building Capacity to Manage Sustainable Supply Chains report revealed that corporate supply chains must embrace decarbonisation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, to meet Ireland’s Climate Action targets. However, the report has found that a lack of knowledge across industries, policymaking bodies, and regulatory agencies has hindered progress in delivering solutions to Scope 3 decarbonisation in Ireland. 

Scope 3 emissions are a category of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from activities indirectly created by organisations such as business travel, employee commuting, and waste disposal. 

The Breaking Boundaries: Building Capacity to Manage Sustainable Supply Chains report highlights that upskilling for employees is a crucial first step in addressing the knowledge gap surrounding Scope 3 emissions. Without widespread awareness-building initiatives, organisations will struggle to grasp the complexities of supply chain decarbonisation. 

Maria Kelly, Director, Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, highlighted the necessity of proactive engagement in sustainability efforts: “The ability to manage and reduce Scope 3 emissions is becoming critical for companies aiming to meet sustainability targets. Education and skills development will be instrumental in helping companies build capacity to overcome these barriers and manage their supply chains. It will not be easy and will take time, but the most forward-thinking corporations are already undertaking this effort.” 

Mark Jordan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland, emphasised the importance of talent development in driving sustainable transformation: “Skillnet Ireland is committed to equipping businesses with the expertise needed to navigate the evolving sustainability landscape, ensuring that Irish companies can lead in global climate action. Supply chain decarbonisation presents both an urgent challenge, and an opportunity for businesses. This research confirms that knowledge and skills development are essential for businesses seeking to remain competitive while embracing greener practices.” 

Dr Yvonne Delaney, Lead Researcher, Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick spoke about the value of collaboration in furthering research in this critical area: "The University of Limerick is delighted to collaborate with Skillnet Climate Ready Academy on this innovative research, investigating the impact of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.  These emissions impact UN SDG Goal 13 – Climate Action. The findings from this report will influence the strategic approach taken by those involved in upstream and downstream supply chains." 

Breaking down the knowledge barrier is seen as an immediate requirement before organisations can begin to address the impact of their Scope 3 emissions. The report underscores that supply chain complexity, data challenges, and cost concerns are significant barriers preventing companies from decarbonising their value chains. 

The research identifies several enablers that could support businesses in achieving their sustainability targets, including streamlined regulatory processes, Government and EU investment in tools and incentives, and investments in responsible sourcing and sustainable transport strategies. Moreover, regulatory changes are expected to drive supply chain transformation, by reducing complexity and costs and reinforcing the need for businesses to proactively upskill their workforce to stay ahead of emerging requirements. 

Skillnet Climate Ready Academy provides key upskilling programmes, such as the Sustainability Leaders Programme, which introduces learners to core sustainability concepts, including supply chain analysis and double materiality. These initiatives are designed to help businesses - especially SMEs - develop the capabilities needed to take a deeper look at their supply chains and make meaningful progress on sustainability goals. 

The full Breaking Boundaries: Building Capacity to Manage Sustainable Supply Chains report is available on the Skillnet Ireland website, here.

For more information on Skillnet Climate Ready Academy’s sustainability programmes, visit www.skillnetclimatereadyacademy.ie.