FAQ! Need Help?

Sustainable Business Network (SBN), sister company of Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), is Ireland’s leading body for the promotion and support of sustainability.

SBN aims to empower all Irish industries to be more sustainable through the provision of high-quality support, collaboration, and training with an increased focus on networking. We support all businesses in meeting the needs of customers, industry, the environment and communities creating a sustainable, engaging and resilient landscape.

Sustainable Business Network (SBN) membership is open to all businesses, irrespective of size or specialisation which are committed to a more sustainable business model.

Membership gives you access to a supportive community of like‑minded businesses committed to driving positive change. You will gain access to sustainability templates, training, support and guidance as well as exclusive member to member discounts.

Our membership costs range from €290 – €1800 ex VAT. Depending on the size of your business. You can learn more here.

Membership fees are to be paid annually.

You can sign up directly on our website here or email us at info@sustainablebusinessnetwork.ie today!

No – you don’t need to have a sustainability policy in place at the time you join. However, all members are required to publish a sustainability policy that is unique to your business and aligned with SBN requirements within one year of becoming a member. This policy must be signed by your sustainability leader or equivalent.

To make the process easier, members can access:

• a free annual sustainability policy workshop to help you build or strengthen your policy
• a complimentary review of your existing sustainability policy if you already have one
• a starter template if you’re creating your first policy from scratch

Most businesses find it helpful to have an initial draft when joining, but it’s not mandatory.

Yes – national and international businesses are welcome to join the Sustainable Business Network. Our community includes organisations of all sizes and sectors, both within Ireland and across the globe, who are committed to advancing sustainable business practices.

Yes, check out our sister company the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN). STN is a community for forward-thinking tourism businesses ready to turn sustainability into a strategic advantage.

Contact STN here today.

Whilst you must be a member to access our online training sessions and receive our certificate of completions, we can also provide training outside of this. These can be online or in person and tailor made to your specific needs. Members of the Sustainable Business Network receive discounted rates, making training more affordable and offering even greater value as part of their membership benefits. Contact us today to explore how we can help you.

Start today with a review of your business, what do you do sustainably, what could you like to improve. Get in touch with us today for an initial sustainability assessment review of your business. 

Great question! You’ll need to start with a review of your business. You can also do our carbon management workshop where we can assist you step by step in measuring your carbon footprint.

The honest answer is that it varies –  it depends on how much time and resources your business can commit. The more you invest, the faster you’ll move through your strategy. It’s also worth remembering that sustainability is an ongoing journey rather than a fixed destination. There’s no true end point, only continuous improvement.

Absolutely! Sustainability actions should always align with the size and scale of your business. It’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve, starting with steps that make sense for your resources. 

Irish businesses should follow the EU driven sustainability frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), along with global standards like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and sector  specific ESG reporting practices. For more info on sector specific reporting, contact us.

 Sustainability can improve your bottom line by reducing costs, driving innovation, strengthening customer loyalty, and opening access to new markets. 

At the Sustainable Business Network we offer a range of different training programmes which are carefully curated for businesses and organisations. 

Based on careful research and the most up-to-date thinking, and taking into account the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SBN’s Suite of Training Programmes are designed to help your business: 

• Become more efficient and profitable 

• Engage and empower your teams and community 

• Reduce your environmental impact 

• Prepare for a wide range of certifications 

• Embrace the UN SDGs 

• Future proof your business for legislative changes, such as the Green Claims Directive 

You can check out our range of training programmes here.  

Yes. The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) offers comprehensive consultancy services either online or in person. Our team of sustainability experts can deliver tailored support to help you navigate the complexities of climate action, circularity and sustainability so you can continue to nurture and grow your business. 

We can advise, coach and mentor your teams through the process of change, in a positive and practical manner. If you like, we can come to your business and implement changes for you. You can read more about our consultancy services here. 

B Corp, ISO 14001, Business Working Responsibly Mark, ESG certifications.

We can support you in your application and work towards certifications. Reach out to us today.

No, not at all. Our workshops are designed for a wide range of audiences, so everyone can take part. Occasionally, we may ask you to do a little preparation beforehand – this simply helps you get the most out of the session. We actively encourage questions throughout, so never hesitate to ask if something isn’t clear.

At SBN, we host online workshops and webinars, our annual conference and in person regional events throughout the year. 

Yes, non-members can attend our online webinars, our annual conference and regional events.  

Our online workshops are available for members only. 

As part of your Sustainable Business Network membership you gain access to a huge range of benefits including a free sustainability policy review and free annual sustainability policy workshop. You can check out the full list of benefits here.