Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), hosted the 4th Annual Climate Action Congress, bringing together leaders from across the ETB sector, government departments, and sustainability-focused organisations to advance Ireland’s climate goals within the education system.
The Congress, which took place in Portlaoise provided a vital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and strategic planning. The event featured contributions from senior representatives of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), SOLAS, Department of Education and Youth, and SEAI.
Opening remarks were delivered by ETBI General Secretary Paddy Lavelle, followed by keynote presentations on public sector climate progress, decarbonisation planning in tertiary education, and practical sustainability initiatives across ETBs. A panel discussion explored cross-sectoral collaboration and the challenges ahead in achieving Ireland’s climate targets.
Afternoon sessions highlighted local authority perspectives, case studies from Kerry ETB and Waterford and Wexford ETB, and behavioural change strategies to meet carbon reduction goals.
