Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC NI) has released the findings of its annual NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey alongside the Climate Action Pledge Report at a major event in Titanic Belfast attended by more than 200 sustainability leaders. The publications show how organisations across Northern Ireland are accelerating emissions cuts and embedding sustainability in their operations.

Farrans has achieved Platinum in the 2025 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, the highest level available.

A total of 150 NI-based organisations across sectors including General Manufacturing, Local Authority, Education, Utilities, Construction, ICT and Food & Drink participated in the Survey, with 41 attaining the top Platinum tier.

Commenting on key findings from the Survey, Keelin McCone, Head of Environment, BITC said: "This year's Survey shows real progress. Over half of organisations have quantified climate risks and put plans in place, while action on emissions is accelerating — 74% of organisations report on at least one category of greenhouse gas emissions and 45% now include scope 3.

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"Circular economy practices are becoming mainstream, with nearly 80% of businesses purchasing recycled materials and reducing single-use packaging. Engagement is strong too: almost all organisations involve employees in sustainability, 81% work directly with customers, and 79% apply environmental criteria to supplier procurement. These figures highlight a growing commitment to embed sustainability across operations and the value chain."

Alongside these positive trends, the Survey also celebrated organisations at the forefront of environmental performance.

Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, highlighted the vital role of business in delivering a more sustainable future.

Minister Muir commented, "It is incredibly heartening that businesses across Northern Ireland are leading the way to improve environmental performance and deliver climate action. Businesses understand the scale of the risks we face from climate change but also the magnitude of the opportunities that exist by pursuing a low-carbon approach to growing our economy.

"I am delighted that 150 Northern Ireland businesses have responded to BITC's Environment Survey to measure progress on their environmental performance. I would like to thank Business in the Community for its leadership on this critical issue, and I would urge businesses to continue to ramp up their environmental and climate ambitions. By working collectively across both the public and private sectors, we can better protect our environment, maximise economic opportunities, and create a cleaner, fairer society for everyone."