Environment

The environment

Climate change poses a critical challenge for both Ireland and the global community. Gas Networks Ireland is committed to meeting Ireland’s energy needs while facilitating the transition to full decarbonisation by enabling the transport of renewable gases. Gas Networks Ireland also remains dedicated to minimising environmental impacts from our operations, reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, advancing circular economy initiatives, and improving resource efficiency. Our organisation has set ambitious environmental targets and has mobilised significant programme of works to achieve our environmental sustainability commitments.

Gas Networks Ireland is committed to minimising the environmental impact of our activities. In addition to decarbonising the gas we transport we are also committted to decarbonising our own operations. We are committed to reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 51% by 2030 and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030 in line with Ireland's Climate Action Plan's ambitions and climate science. Significant projects were mobilsed in 2024 to reduce our own operational green house gas emissions.

In addition to ghg emissions, we also have environmental committments and objectives in place to improve energy efficiency, biodiversity, circular economy and resource use. These efforts support Ireland’s progress towards SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action.

We have objectives to support our environmental commitments, including actions on climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, biodiversity, water conservation, and waste management. We promote an integrated and strategic approach to environmental management across the business and asset base. This approach is verified within our certified Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) and Energy Management System (ISO 50001). Our Greenhouse Gas Inventory was independently verified according to ISO 14064-3:2019 standards.
 

Climate action

Securing our future - Working collaboratively to develop a sustainable energy system that facilitates and supports Ireland’s net zero target.

Climate change adaptation is important for Gas Networks Ireland as it addresses the risks and opportunities posed by climate change, ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our operations. In 2024, Gas Networks Ireland began the development of a Climate Change Adaptation Plan which outlines strategies to mitigate and manage climate change risks, following the SEAI Public Sector Bodies Climate Action Roadmaps Guidance 2024 and ISO 14092 standard. As part of developing the Climate Change Adaptation Plan, Gas Networks Ireland has conducted a thorough Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA).
 

GHG emissions management

Each year, energy and emission data are gathered from the business to quantify the Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions for which Gas Networks Ireland is responsible for or has considerable influence over. Included are the six main greenhouse gases as defined by the Kyoto Protocol: carbon dioxide (CO₂). methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Final figures are reported in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). We measure and report our GHG emissions in line with applicable regulatory requirements and third-party frameworks. We continually review our approach to measurement and reporting to ensure alignment with best practices.

Renewable energy services

Separate from our internal GHG emissions reduction targets, Gas Networks Ireland is committed to making a vital contribution to Ireland’s net zero carbon future by displacing all the natural gas on our network with renewable gases (biomethane and hydrogen) by 2045. 

The gas, which is transported through our network is used for heating, industrial processes, and electricity generation, resulting in approximately 15 million tonnes of CO2 - calculated using the SEAI location-based emission factor. 

We aim to enable the delivery of a fully decarbonised gas network by 2045 by replacing natural gas with renewable gases such as biomethane and green hydrogen. A decarbonised network will facilitate a significant reduction in emissions across key sectors, including those traditionally difficult to decarbonise, such as high heat industries, power generation, agriculture, and transport. Our Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network document sets out our vision to repurpose the network and enable the delivery of a fully decarbonised gas network over the next 20-25 years
 

Circular economy and resource use

The circular economy is all about eliminating waste and making the most of our resources through recycling, reusing, and repairing. This approach helps us create a closed-loop system that conserves natural resources and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. One of the shining examples of this in action is biomethane production. Biomethane plants are true hubs of the circular economy, where materials that were once considered waste, from agriculture, industrial processes, and water management, are put to good use. By supporting and implementing circular economy principles, Gas Networks Ireland aims to minimise its environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices.

Gas Networks Ireland plays a pivotal role in advancing the principles of the circular economy, particularly in the context of biomethane. Biomethane is a renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, such as agricultural residues, food waste, and sewage sludge. This process not only generates renewable energy but also helps in managing waste effectively. Gas Networks Ireland recognises the potential of biomethane in contributing to a sustainable energy future and is actively involved in its promotion and utilisation.

Biodiversity and ecosystems

At Gas Networks Ireland, we emphasise the significance of biodiversity as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. We recognise our responsibility to protect and restore Ireland’s biodiversity through our extensive underground infrastructure network and numerous AGIs and office locations. Our Biodiversity Action Plan outlines specific actions and goals to promote biodiversity awareness among colleagues and communities, and to create pollinator-friendly habitats across the country. By adhering to Biodiversity Best Practice and partnering with initiatives like the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, we aim to achieve a “no net loss” impact on biodiversity and strive for “net gain” impact. Our approach encompasses comprehensive management processes, environmental planning, and design toolkits to ensure best practices in biodiversity management are integrated into our operations.