The initiative urges prompt business action to address the interconnected climate and nature crises by calling on members of the BITCI network to set a Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) approved net-zero by 2050 target by 2030, if not earlier, and to develop a robust and credible Climate Transition Plan to guide and track implementation. A Climate Transition Plan is a whole of business strategy for crossing the bridge between ambition and action. It articulates how a given business will transition their activities to align with a 1.5°C and nature-positive pathway and pivot its business model to operate in net-zero carbon economy.
Tomas Sercovich, BITCI CEO said “We’ve had an unseasonably warm Winter so far with November 30th this year topping 16°C in Dublin. 2024 will be the hottest year ever recorded and the first year that global temperatures surpass 1.5°C temperatures above pre-industrial levels. Nearly three quarters of global wildlife has been eradicated in the past 50 years and in Ireland 85% of our protected habitats and nearly a third of our species are in an unfavourable state. Action to respond and adapt to the climate and nature crisis is still too slow, and disappointingly, limited progress on loss and damage and climate adaptation finance was secured by global leaders in COP29 in Baku.
Mr. Sercovich continued, “But it’s heartening to see communities calling for more action, with the exit poll from our General Election finding 51% of voters believing the government hasn’t done enough on climate change. Businesses recognise the opportunities inherent in the rapid and deep transformation of our economies and societies that we so urgently need. They can and must lead the way. We look forward to working with these companies and others on this campaign at such a crucial time in the history of our species.”
The first nine Accelerate signatories—Bidvest Noonan, Bus Éireann, Deloitte, Equinix, Gather & Gather, John Paul Construction, Mitie, SSE and Vhi —represent diverse sectors vital to the energy transition.
Pauline Cox, Managing Director, Gather & Gather said "We’re really proud to be one of the first signatories to Accelerate: The Business Pact for Climate and Nature. For Gather & Gather Ireland, this is about more than just a commitment—it’s about taking meaningful action to create a fairer, more sustainable future for everyone. We believe businesses have a big role to play in shaping a better society, and this Pact gives us a chance to show what’s possible when we work together.”
Les Sheridan, Managing Director, Mitie said “By committing to reduce their carbon footprint, companies within Accelerate, The Business Pact for Climate and Nature are not only taking a step forward in the fight against climate change but also future proofing their business by aligning it with the growing global emphasis on eco-friendly initiatives. Their dedication to investing in greener technology and promoting sustainable practices demonstrates that profitability and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.”
Stephen Kent, CEO of Bus Éireann said, "Signing the Accelerate Pact underscores Bus Eireann’s commitment to leading the way in climate action, ensuring a sustainable future for our operations, customers, and communities."
Liam Kenny, Managing Director, John Paul Construction said “We are delighted to be one of the first signatories of the BITC Accelerate Pact. This initiative fully aligns with John Paul’s ambitions in relation to climate change, decarbonisation and biodiversity and we look forward to working closely with Business in the Community Ireland on this initiative over the coming years.”
Declan Doyle, CEO, Bidvest Noonan added “We are proud to join the Accelerate Pact and stand alongside others committed to tackling the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Sustainability is at the heart of how Bidvest Noonan operate, and this initiative aligns with our purpose to proudly create safer, healthier communities today, for tomorrow.”
Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland said, “As part of Equinix’s global Future First sustainability strategy, we continue to invest in initiatives that progress our decarbonisation goals. We are proud to be one of the first signatories of the Accelerate Pact in support of climate strategies to benefit local communities, businesses and our customers.”
BITCI aims to create a Centre of Excellence for Climate Transition Plans to foster collaboration and best practice sharing among participants. By signing the Accelerate Pact, companies commit to take integrated action in their Climate Transition Plan under nine key leverage areas: Nature, Scope 3, Just Transition, Decarbonisation, Targets, Finance, Advocacy, Risk and Governance. It is the implementation of these Plans that will ensure progress is made in moving the dial from ambition to action.
This Pact is building on the success of the Low Carbon Pledge which BITCI launched in 2018 and which ends this year. The Pledge called on businesses to set SBTi emissions reductions targets to keep global average temperature rise since pre-industrial times to below 1.5°C. It concluded with 62 BITCI members having set or committed to setting these crucial targets, as shown in the final Closing Report co-authored with PwC.
