On Tuesday 13th January, members of the Dublin Chamber Sustainability Network gathered at Clare Street for a breakfast event that felt both purposeful and refreshingly open. Despite the rain, the room was full, with people arriving from across sectors and roles to take part in a morning focused on how sustainability shows up in real business decisions.

The event, Creating Business Value Through Sustainability, brought together business leaders, sustainability professionals and operational teams for honest conversation rather than polished soundbites. What emerged was a strong sense of shared experience. People spoke candidly about what it takes to run cleaner, more responsible operations while still meeting commercial realities. Regulations, costs and stakeholder expectations were all part of the discussion, as was the question of how organisations remain competitive while doing the right thing.

The format was deliberately practical. Alongside a panel discussion, attendees took part in a hackathon-style networking session that encouraged small group discussion and peer learning. The energy in the room reflected a growing appetite for connection and clarity, particularly among organisations navigating sustainability without a clear playbook. Profitability and long-term success were part of the conversation, but always grounded in the day-to-day challenges businesses are facing.

We were delighted to hear from our speakers, led by Goodbody Clearstream, who shared experiences drawn from within their own organisations and sectors. Our thanks also go to AIB for their continued support and for their leadership in pursuing meaningful and lasting sustainability outcomes.

For many businesses, sustainability can feel like unfamiliar territory. The Sustainability Network exists to make that journey less isolating by creating space for shared learning, practical discussion and mutual support. Events like this remind us that progress is rarely made alone, and that collaboration remains one of our strongest assets.