Dawsongroup | TCS Ireland recently participated in a Climate Action Challenge to understand more about climate change, its associated risks and how together through small changes to our daily lives we all can make a difference to the planet now, and in the future. The Sustainable Kildare project led by County Kildare Chamber and sponsored by Intel was launched late last year with the vision to raise awareness for both businesses and its employees in order to reduce carbon emissions in Kildare, Ireland.

Dawsongroup | TCS Ireland and other participating companies took part in a 3-week Climate Action challenge using the Ducky App (an application developed and launched by Global Action) that allows users to track personal emissions and compete against fellow employees and other businesses in Kildare on the topic of Climate Change.

The main objectives of the challenge were to:

• Empower employees to take action and change lifestyle habits to help reduce personal emissions
• Raise awareness about climate action
• Equip businesses with the knowledge to implement sustainable businesses goals in the future

The challenge encouraged the “Dawsongroup green team” to save as much CO₂ as possible by registering daily, eco-friendly activities and making tiny changes to their lifestyle. Over the 3-weeks, participants undertook simple, but effective actions each, for example switching off unnecessary lights, taking shorter showers or working from home.

The Dawsongroup team did their bit by repairing old furniture or by buying second-hand items instead of replacing them with a new item. The challenge actively encouraged participants to buy from more sustainable suppliers and products, allowing consumers to shift the market to becoming more sustainable. The challenge also raised awareness on eating habits and adapting to more sustainable suppliers and products. Vegetarian meals earned points while reducing dairy in the diet was another point earner. The Ducky app educated users on their activities logged and explained why such activities reduced climate footprints. According to the Ducky app, animal husbandry is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to methane emitted by ruminants like cows and sheep, and land use change (cutting down forests to create space to graze animals). From a health perspective, eating vegetarian and low-meat diets is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.

It was these little insights, and more that motivated the Dawsongroup green team in changing their lifestyle habits and becoming more mindful of carbon emissions. To support organisations further the Climate Action challenge includes an ongoing education programme that will raise awareness on how to support sustainable, climate friendly actions at home and in the workplace.

Brilliantly, for every company that participates in the challenge, there will be a number of trees planted in a specially chosen location in Kildare, which will ensure a lasting carbon legacy from the project. A lovely way to celebrate the efforts of all the participating companies.

Well done to everyone involved and keep up the good work!