Dublin City University’s (DCU) Institute for Climate and Society, in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), has released the inaugural Climate Transition Plan Scorecard assessing Irish associations’ climate commitments.

The report examined 10 companies within BITCI’s Accelerate Pact for Climate and Nature, evaluating the development and implementation of credible Climate Transition Plans aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Findings show that associations scored an average of 62% for enabling actions, including governance, finance, and decarbonisation, while measurable transition outcomes averaged 51%. Most companies have set science-based climate targets across all emission scopes, yet absolute emissions reductions are lagging. The report notes limited engagement on nature and just transition targets despite their growing relevance.

Sustainability oversight is present on most boards, although few include climate or nature specialists or tie executive remuneration to environmental performance. Dr Diarmuid Torney, DCU Institute Director, highlighted the importance of board-level governance in translating ambition into actionable outcomes.

Dr Aideen O’Dochartaigh, co-author, stated that while voluntary action remains strong, measurable emissions reductions are not occurring at the necessary pace at corporate or national levels. Some progress on absolute emissions is noted, establishing a foundation for improved performance.

Dr Jimmy O’Keeffe added that associations demonstrate ambition through science-aligned targets and risk management structures, but action on nature lags. Associations’ dependence on healthy ecosystems for supply chains, resources, and climate resilience is rarely reflected in transition plans.

BITCI Senior Adviser Meghan Carmody observed that over 90% of companies’ emissions are Scope 3, which remain critical to achieving reductions. While positive actions include supplier engagement and integration of climate measures into procurement, many companies lack defined Scope 3 targets or full reporting on emissions categories.

Access the full report to see detailed company assessments and recommendations.