KINTO Join Ltd, the leading provider of full service ESG solutions, today announces the launch of its new 360° sustainability solution, KINTO Zero. This is an end-to-end service featuring expert consultancy, an ESG reporting platform, and practical actionable tools – including the sustainable mobility platform, KINTO Join.
Merging global standards with innovative technology, KINTO Zero helps organisations to reduce their carbon emissions and enhance their sustainability performance. Supported by Toyota Financial Services under the global KINTO brand, the platform enables organisations to collect and track data and generate audit-ready, compliance reports. In turn, it supports carbon accounting, reduction and offsetting pathways.
As part of the KINTO Zero solution, organisations also gain access to professional ESG consultancy services. These include Double Materiality Assessments (DMA) – to access a company’s priorities for their ESG strategy and reporting, comprehensive gap analysis, and the creation of tailored action plans. The solution also provides guidance on all reporting requirements – such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires organisation to lower their carbon footprint and is set for widescale adoption in 2026.
Alongside reporting capabilities and consultancy services, the offering includes access to the KINTO Join platform which allows organisations to benefit from and implement sustainable mobility solutions.
To celebrate the launch of KINTO Zero, KINTO Join Ltd. is inviting organisations to avail of its enterprise-grade commuting carbon calculator, free of charge. Using greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol, the calculator assesses an organisation’s commuting emissions through a customisable survey. This enables them to better understand how their staff or students travel and track commuting emissions over an extended period of time.
From a business perspective, the launch of KINTO Zero is expected to accelerate growth for KINTO Join Ltd. and strengthen its position in the growing ESG reporting software market, which is currently valued at $1.29B and is projected to be worth approximately $3.9B by 2032. As well as meeting the increasing demand for transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability, KINTO Zero will see KINTO Join Ltd. better support its customers and commuters in Ireland.
Its recent piece of research – Ireland on the Move report – revealed that 39% of commuters believe their university or workplace has a responsibility to take action to meet sustainability goals and regulations. However, only 26% believe their university or workplace is doing a good job at meeting sustainability goals and regulations.
Patrizia Niehuas, CEO, KINTO Join Ltd., said: “The introduction of KINTO Zero to our service offering further strengthens our position as a leading player within corporate sustainability. By integrating KINTO Zero with KINTO Join, organisations will not only be able to track and report their sustainability metrics more effectively but also take meaningful action towards reducing their carbon footprint.”
“As regulatory requirements and employee expectations continue to grow, adopting sustainable practices has never been more important. It also makes sense as organisations can empower their people and help the planet. These individual steps to drive towards ESG goals will ultimately spearhead a more sustainable future that we can collectively enjoy.”
When it comes to trade shows or outdoor exhibitions, style and function go hand in hand. Today’s brands are looking for event solutions that provide a de-risking balance of visibility, functionality, transportability, and versatility. Inflatable tents are becoming a more viable alternative to traditional tent structures, as they offer specific advantages in setup time, transportability, and design configurations. Inflatable tents can help to improve brand visibility and engagement, whether you are using them for corporate promotions, product launches, community events, etc. Other brands that are using custom tents are also interested in inflatable tents as part of their event plan because of the synergies of style and function.
As inflatable tent technology becomes more mainstream, many companies are asking the same basic question: Are inflatable tents right for my brand? Answering this question involves understanding the pros and cons of inflatable tents and having an understanding of proper understanding across industrial applications.
Weighing the Pros, Cons, and Ideal Uses of Inflatable Tents
Portability and Ease of Setup for Efficient Food Vendor Tent Setup
Inflatable tents have become a contender to metal frame tents; however, inflatable tents are quicker and easier to set up, as they can be inflated by one or two people quickly. They are inherently appropriate for mobile events, pop-up activations, and temporary setups. In the food vendor tent setup example, this ease of configuration is important. Food vendors work in inherently small kiosks, and time is critical. The speed at which food vendors can inflate and deflate tents allows them to serve customers on time with little to no wait time. Lastly, they can be rolled into a small bag, making it easier and less expensive to transport them. It is especially true for traveling bands/brands and touring promotions.
Visual Appeal and Brand Visibility
Inflatable tents provide an impactful visual display straight away. The silky-looking, curve-shaped, customizable surfaces ensure the brand’s identity pops above rows of basic structures. They can be printed in high definition with logos, patterns, or thematic graphics to help attract the eye even from a distance.
Due to their contemporary appeal and flexibility, inflatable tents can complement various brand identities—from chic and corporate to bold and fun. The versatility of inflatable tents also lends their design to creative lighting solutions, including internal LEDs, that can transform an inflatable tent into a glowing beacon on the trade show floor, attracting foot traffic toward the booth. When there are dozens of competitors vying to capture the attention of consumers at trade shows or festivals, visual impact is the difference between lasting impressions and being overlooked.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Inflatable tents may be lightweight but are built from tough, weatherproof material such as armor PVC or polyester. These materials are designed to resist wind, light rain, and sunlight without becoming distorted in shape or fading in color. The internal air beams replace metal poles, tolerate pressure evenly, and deter collapse after being under duress.
Properly inflating and storing, while checking for punctures or leaks periodically, is key to their longer utility. Inflatable tents are strong enough for regular outdoor use, but especially in severe storms or with sharp objects, there is some concern. For brands that conduct outdoor events regularly, a higher-grade commercial tent can be helpful. Along with that, secure and effective professional methods can help set up your inflatable tent with confidence.
Sustainability and Reusability
With a focus on sustainability in business, event planners and exhibitors are examining the materials they select. Inflatable tents are perfect for an eco-conscious worldview, as they are reusable and create less waste. Where traditional tents are generally disposed of after a single use, inflatable tents can be utilized again and again for each event, decreasing the need for single-use and replacement materials.
Inflatable tents also have a lighter footprint in terms of transport. Their lighter weight uses fewer resources to ship to the event, as well as for setup. So for organizations that want to advance a cleaner, greener event, a sustainable setup using efficiencies can further a positive brand experience. Inflatable tents also use less material than custom tents, and as such, they take less energy for production, as well as to transport and store.
Cost Considerations and Suitability for Different Brands
Although pricing differs based on the size and quality of inflatable tents, they are usually a long-term investment, and owing to their durability and reusability, they result in cost savings. Besides, less hardware, labor, and transport costs make these inflatable tents able to be rigidly fit, which enables tighter transport.
That said, inflatable tents may not be appropriate for every brand or event. For instance, an organization that has multi-day exhibits or activations in a busy, high-traffic area of a market will typically prefer the traditional framed tent, as it provides a rigid structure and more design options with the inner space. That said, inflatable tents are exceptionally helpful in duration-preferred or outdoor festival activations, or experiential marketing events.
End Point
Inflatable tents offer brands a contemporary, adaptable, and visually striking solution for portable event structures. The simple setup process, visual identity, and sustainability possibilities make them a useful tool for a dynamic marketing plan. Before deciding on this option, brands should think about their event needs, budget, and environmental considerations. Whether alongside custom tents or standalone structures, inflatable tents highlight how innovative design can be used to re-establish brand presence, function, efficiency, and visual storytelling that now live together under an air-filled roof.
The need to be sustainable has never been as intense in the current fast moving business environment. Leaders understand that it is not only a moral but a strategic need to incorporate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The drivers of this change are the growing stakeholder demands, the regulation requirements, and the effects of the climate change and social inequality. The rate of change in this paradigm is fast leading to the need of specialized knowledge and skills in sustainable business practices.
ESG courses come in at this stage and provide a systematic way in which professionals can enrich their knowledge and improve their ability to effect positive change. However, with an increase in the number of offerings, how does a business leader with a keen sense of discernment identify the most sound sustainability courses that genuinely align with their career aspirations and organizational needs? This guide will explore key considerations all of which can assist you to navigate through the education landscape and make an informed choice that can launch your leadership in the sustainable age.
Understanding Your Needs and Goals
Before you find a sustainability course, you need to assess what you already know, what you want to achieve in your career and what concerns you in an organization. Specify the need or not of a simple understanding or technical expertise in areas like finance of renewable energy, circular economy responses, or sustainable supply chain control. The reason this is necessary is in order to assist in customizing your educational experience in a way that it may have maximum impact on your professional life and your organizations endeavors to be sustainable.
Take into account your status, such as executive, manager or future professional to distinguish between introductory courses, specialized certifications, and executive education courses. Such self-evaluation will assist in narrowing down, making sure that the course fits your particular needs.
Key Criteria for Evaluating Sustainability Courses
When you have quite a clear picture of your needs, you may start to assess the possible sustainability courses according to a number of important parameters. These are the requirements that will assist you in determining the quality and appropriateness of a program and therefore will give the best returns in terms of investment in terms of time and resource usage.
1. Curriculum Relevance and Depth
Review course syllabus. Find a curriculum that is both theoretically and practically balanced with a range of case studies and practical projects. As a leader, a course that explores strategic sustainability, risk management, stakeholder engagement and impact measurement are of special value.
2. Faculty Expertise and Industry Experience
Conduct an investigation on the faculty. Are they well-educated, experienced in the industry and with successful sustainability history? Their life experience may be invaluable.
3. Program Format and Flexibility
Bear in mind the format that most effectively fits your learning style and schedule: face-to-face, online, hybrid, self-paced, or cohort-based. Online courses are flexible, yet they offer enough possibilities in terms of communication.
4. Accreditation and Reputation
The reputation of the institution offering the same and accreditation by known organizations can lend a lot of weight. Search through testimonials, networks and industry reputation that can help determine the status of a program.
5. Networking Opportunities
The courses that provide strong networking with other business leaders, sustainability professionals and faculty can be incredibly useful. Such networks are capable of producing new knowledge, collaborations and employment.
6. Practical Application and Impact
Does the course focus on the practical tools, frameworks, and methods you can apply in your position immediately? Find programs where the participants are encouraged to come up with projects or strategies that can be implemented.
Types of Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders
To narrow your search further, it is useful to know the various types of sustainability courses they offer that are aligned to different learning outcomes and career levels:
1. Executive Education Programs
Targeted at top managers and executives, such programs usually provide a strategic perspective on sustainability, including bringing the factors of ESG into business strategy, risk management and corporate governance. They can be short, intensive and offered by the best business schools and they offer high-level information without a long-term academic commitment. Such programs are suitable to busy professionals who should get the strategic implications of sustainability fast.
2. Graduate Degrees and Certificates
To go a little further and gain a formal degree, one can choose MBA programs with a sustainability focus, a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, or a graduate certificate. They offer in-depth information in multiple areas of sustainability and are best suited to individuals in the field who intend to make a radical career shift towards full-time sustainability work or to enhance their professional competence to a new level. They tend to include intense academic research and study.
3. Online Courses and MOOCs
Online courses such as Coursera, edX and university-specific online courses are less rigid and can be less expensive. These may be basic courses that offer a basic knowledge to the highly specialized subjects which may enable you to study at your own speed. Some of them are self-paced, whereas others can have cohort-based learning, where the instructor interacts and learners collaborate with each other, as it offers a structured but flexible learning environment.
4. Professional Certifications
Professional accreditation in certain fields of sustainability, e.g., LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of green building, or sustainable finance, are offered by multiple organizations. They are superb in showing specialized knowledge in a specific field and may make you have more credibility in certain areas of the industry. They frequently need to take an exam and may need further education.
5. Custom Corporate Training
Individual organizations have custom sustainability training programs available in many institutions and consulting firms. In case the company is interested in upskilling a group of people or solving certain sustainability issues that are specific to your industry, then a bespoke course can be developed to meet those specific requirements. The programs are offered locally or online and are very useful in creating a sense of collective comprehension and uniformity of approach to sustainability in an organization.
Emerging Trends in Sustainability Education
Sustainability is a dynamic discipline and education does capture the same. The important trends to consider during selection of course include:
1. ESG Integration and Reporting
The most important courses are those that concentrate on strong ESG integration in financial decision-making, performance measurement and transparent reporting. It is essential to learn such frameworks as SASB, GRI, TCFD.
2. Circular Economy Principles
Courses that provide practical strategies of introducing circularity in a business operation are very helpful.
3. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Climate risk assessment, adaptation plans, and low-carbon transition plans education is on the rise.
4. Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions
Courses that delve into nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and how they can be incorporated in the business models are leading.
5. Digital Tools and Data Analytics
Find programs that include data analytics, AI, and blockchain use in sustainability management.
6. Social Equity and Just Transition
Holistic leadership requires courses that consider human rights, labor practices, community engagement, and a just transition to all the stakeholders.
Conclusion
Making a proper sustainability course choice is a landmark decision of every business leader who is interested in managing the intricacies of the contemporary economy and making a positive change. It is an investment in your personal development, as well as the future effectiveness and strength of your organization.
After critically analyzing your own needs, examining curriculum relevance, evaluating faculty competency, and program format and reputation, then you can be sure that you have chosen a program that gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader in the sustainable age. Sustainability education is a multifaceted landscape with opportunities at all the levels of experience and aspiration. You are seeking to have a general knowledge base, become the specialist in a certain field, or bring the transformative change to the executive stage, you will find the course that will help you achieve your goals.
The knowledge you will acquire during such programs will enable you to incorporate the environment, social, and governance aspect in the main business strategies, which will promote innovation, reduce risks, and build long-term value to all the stakeholders. Finally, it is not only a matter of compliance or reputation when investing in high-quality Sustainability courses; it is a matter of creating a more sustainable, fair, and successful future of your business and the world.
Compliance to many a small business is viewed as a burden – a box to be ticked or as an outlay. The requirements may be overwhelming, especially in regulatory frameworks to sustainability reporting.
However, in a strategic manner, compliance may not only be a fulfilment of legal requirements. It has the ability to open up new markets, reach out to the customers, and cement collaborations. Compliance can become a formidable growth and innovation engine in the case of small firms..
Rethinking Compliance as a Value-Add
Small business is typically associated with cost and complexity by small businesses. Nevertheless, those organizations that develop a different mindset tend to find that compliance results in credibility. Customers, investors and partners are becoming very demanding of transparent and trustworthy businesses. Compliance does not only minimize risk but also makes a firm reliable and forward-thinking.
Competitive Advantage Through Transparency
Transparency is being sold in a global market. Numerous massive companies today require sustainability and ethical sourcing reports of their suppliers. In the case of small companies, it is an opportunity to distinguish oneself.
Adherence to the standards of compliance indicates a willingness to engage in the global supply chains.
As an illustration, the compliances with sustainability standards like Scope 3 from EcoVadis can assist small businesses to demonstrate their desire to be environmentally responsible and attract bigger companies.
Driving Operational Efficiency
Compliance procedures usually have the effect of steering companies to assess and optimize their internal infrastructure.
This may result in better efficiency. To illustrate, data protection practices not only help to be in compliance with the regulations but will also enhance customer confidence and decrease expensive breaches.
Equally, environmental compliance can attract small companies to be energy efficient that will reduce expenditure in the long run.
Building Stronger Customer Relationships
Customers are now concerned about ethical practices and sustainability. The compliance requirements allow small business to communicate the sense to the customers that they are determined to do the right thing. This generates loyalty and trust and development of long lasting relationships.
A business that shows concern about the social, environmental, and governance standards is likely to attract customers.
Attracting Partnerships and Funding
Investors and partners will be happy to do business with companies where the risk is minimized. Compliance will provide the guarantee that a small company is responsible.
This credibility is potentially a gateway to new alliances, cooperation, and even a way to get access to the sources of funds that might have been inaccessible without it.
In the case of small companies that have to compete with large corporations, this will level the ground.
Future-Proofing the Business
Legislation is in a continuous state of development, and it is best to keep up with the current changes to make sure that the small companies are ready to face any new developments in the market.
By being proactive in compliance, they are able to adjust fast and not to get derailed. Businesses that make compliance a part of their strategy can take the changes to innovate and flourish instead of responding to the pressure of new legislations.
Conclusion
Compliance does not necessarily have to be a burden to a small firm. Companies that accept it as a strategic opportunity are able to enhance their reputation, efficiency, and generate new growth opportunities.
Compliance can be a driver of long-term success whether it be transparency in supply chains, earning the trust of the customer, or drawing partnerships.
Small businesses who perceive compliance beyond a mandate will not only survive in a competitive world but they will flourish.
The €4.2 Million Greenwashing Fine That Changed Everything
When the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission hit a prominent Irish software company with a multimillion-euro fine for misleading environmental claims, boardrooms across Dublin’s tech corridor went silent. The message was clear: vague sustainability promises and manufactured green credentials no longer fly in an era of radical transparency.
Irish tech companies, from fintech startups in Cork to medtech innovators in Galway, often run genuinely sustainable operations. They’ve achieved carbon neutrality, eliminated single-use plastics, and built products helping other businesses reduce environmental impact. Yet their sustainability communications fail so spectacularly that consumers trust them less than traditional industries with worse environmental records.
The problem isn’t lack of green initiatives—it’s the disconnect between operations and communications. While engineering teams measure server efficiency to the kilowatt-hour, marketing departments resort to clichés about “saving the planet” that trigger scepticism. ProfileTree identifies this communication gap as why Irish tech companies struggle to monetise genuine sustainability investments through improved brand perception.
The Data Behind Tech’s Sustainability Crisis
Analysis of 200 Irish tech websites reveals disturbing patterns. Seventy-eight percent use identical phrases—”committed to sustainability,” “reducing our carbon footprint”—meaningless through overuse. Only 12% provide measurable environmental data. Most damning: 91% bury sustainability information in footers rather than integrating it into value propositions.
Irish consumers rank environmental responsibility as their third-highest purchase criterion for tech products. Yet when surveyed, they couldn’t identify a single Irish tech brand as sustainability leaders. This perception gap represents billions in lost brand value.
Tech companies with verified, well-communicated sustainability credentials see 23% higher retention rates and command 18% price premiums. Those caught greenwashing face 18-month recovery periods. Effective sustainability communication has become existential rather than optional.
Why Traditional Marketing Fails
Tech companies list environmental certifications like software specifications, expecting customers to value ISO 14001 compliance. This engineering-driven style fails because consumers don’t buy certifications—they buy authentic stories resonating with values.
The velocity of change compounds challenges. While manufacturing companies celebrate the same renewable installation for years, tech companies constantly evolve initiatives. Marketing teams struggle keeping pace with improvements across Dublin, Cork, Limerick offices.
Cultural misalignment creates friction. Tech marketing emphasises innovation and competitive advantage—messages conflicting with sustainability’s collaborative nature. This produces confused messaging satisfying neither advocates nor growth-focused stakeholders.
AI Revolution in Sustainability Storytelling
Artificial intelligence transforms sustainability marketing from guesswork into science. Natural language processing analyses millions of conversations, revealing which messages resonate. Irish consumers respond to local environmental impact but dismiss global climate messaging as abstract.
Machine learning identifies unexpected narratives within operational data. A Dublin SaaS company discovered their platform prevented 2.3 million commute miles annually—more compelling than carbon-neutral hosting. An Irish cybersecurity firm found their algorithms reduced client energy consumption by preventing cryptomining malware.
Predictive analytics determine optimal timing for communications, avoiding “green fatigue” whilst maintaining visibility. This precision targeting ensures messages reach sympathetic audiences, improving engagement and conversions.
Building Credible Narratives That Convert
Effective sustainability marketing strategies begin with transparency about achievements and shortcomings. A Galway software company increased trust 40% by publishing detailed reports including failures, not just victories.
Specificity replaces vagueness. Instead of “reducing emissions,” successful companies state “our Dublin data centre runs on Arklow Bank wind power, preventing 2,400 tonnes CO2 annually.” These concrete claims, backed by verification, build trust incrementally.
Employee voices amplify messages better than corporate statements. Engineers explaining code optimisation, managers describing waste reduction—authentic perspectives resonate more than polished copy. Companies leveraging employee advocacy see 3x higher engagement on sustainability content.
Integration between measurement and automation enables dynamic communications. When renewable usage peaks, systems update badges, trigger posts, notify customers. Cork tech companies using integrated platforms report 50% reduction in reporting costs whilst improving accuracy.
AI-powered content tools help teams maintain consistent communications without dedicated headcount. Systems transform technical data into accessible stories. However, human oversight ensures authenticity before publication.
Measuring What Matters
Traditional metrics fail capturing effectiveness. Trust scores and reputation indices matter more than clicks. Irish tech companies need frameworks connecting messaging to outcomes over extended timeframes.
Sentiment analysis provides nuanced understanding. A Limerick company discovered high-traffic content actually damaged perception by appearing self-congratulatory.
Attribution modelling reveals true impact. Customers exposed to authentic content show 31% higher lifetime values over months. Without sophisticated measurement, companies underinvest, missing revenue opportunities.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements
The EU Green Claims Directive changes requirements fundamentally. Vague claims face fines up to 4% of global turnover. Companies must implement verification ensuring claims withstand scrutiny.
Life cycle assessments become mandatory. Tech companies must account for entire product lifecycles. A Dublin startup discovered their “eco-friendly” device generated more emissions due to shorter replacement cycles.
Third-party verification provides essential credibility. Verified claims generate 5x more trust than self-reported metrics. Smart companies view verification as insurance against reputational damage.
Different sectors require tailored approaches. Fintech emphasises how digital banking reduces infrastructure. Medtech highlights remote monitoring reducing patient travel. Agtech demonstrates precision agriculture reducing chemical inputs.
B2B companies focus on helping clients achieve goals. Enterprise software quantifies client carbon reduction. This customer-centric approach transforms sustainability from cost to revenue driver.
Consumer-facing companies need emotional narratives. Gaming companies highlight digital distribution eliminating waste. EdTech emphasises democratising education without travel. Human-centred stories resonate more than metrics.
AI-Powered Training for Teams
Marketing teams need comprehensive training, but traditional workshops fail keeping pace. AI-powered corporate training delivers personalised, continuously updated education ensuring teams remain current.
Adaptive systems identify knowledge gaps, focusing on specific weaknesses. Irish companies using AI training report 60% faster competency development.
Simulation environments allow practicing without risk. Teams trained through simulations handle challenges 40% more effectively than those relying on theory.
Building Internal Alignment
Sustainability marketing fails when disconnected from reality. Marketing needs integration with operations to communicate authentic achievements.
Regular workshops bring diverse teams together identifying narratives. Engineers explain improvements accessibly. Product managers describe design decisions. These sessions generate authentic content whilst building commitment.
Executive sponsorship proves crucial. When CEOs champion initiatives, authenticity follows. Waterford companies with CEO-led programmes see 4x better outcomes.
Future-Proofing Your Strategy
Emerging regulations require greater transparency. CSRD mandates detailed disclosures. Digital Product Passports track lifecycles. Companies building infrastructure now will navigate smoothly whilst competitors scramble.
Blockchain will revolutionise verification. Smart contracts compensate offsets automatically. Irish companies should explore integration preparing for this transparent future.
Consumer expectations escalate beyond current standards. Gen Z demands regenerative models improving conditions. They expect real-time data and participation in decisions. Companies must evolve from communication to conversation.
Your 90-Day Transformation
Start with honesty about current communications. Audit content for greenwashing risk. Remove questionable content—silence beats deception. Rebuild narratives based on verified data.
Invest in measurement before campaigns. Implement carbon accounting, establish baselines, create verification. This foundation enables credible communications.
Partner with experts understanding sustainability complexity and tech dynamics. The sweet spot combines sustainability expertise, marketing sophistication, and industry experience. These combinations deliver strategies satisfying regulators, resonating with customers, driving results.
The path from greenwashing risk to leadership requires commitment beyond tactics. For Irish tech companies embracing authentic sustainability marketing, rewards include reputation, loyalty, and alignment between commercial success and environmental necessity.
Recent research by Strata, Ireland’s leading provider of construction time management and digital construction services, reveals that 88% of construction and engineering professionals have accelerated their use of digital technologies over the past year. In addition, nearly 70% of respondents are leveraging these tools to drive smarter decision-making and innovation across the sector.
Barriers to digital adoption
The 2025 Strata Report: Digital Transformation in Construction highlighted that siloed workflows are the leading barrier to digital adoption in the sector. Time constraints ranked second, driven by limited capacity for training and the pressure of industry-wide labour shortages. In third place, skillset gaps point to an urgent need for targeted training and the strategic hiring of new digital capabilities to support transformation.
Knowledge of AI
The research found that 81% of construction and engineering professionals report only basic or moderate knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, more than 71% of respondents believe AI will be critical in shaping the future of the sector. Despite this strong belief, over half of companies surveyed had yet to implement formal AI training for their teams.
Sustainability in sector
When asked about the importance of sustainability in the sector, 85% of construction and engineering professionals said it will become more important over the next one to three years. This contrasted with just 5% reporting significant progress in utilising digital tools such as carbon calculations and whole-life assessments.
Commenting on the findings, Enda Grimes, Director and Founder of Strata said: “With the Government’s National Planning Framework prioritising accelerated housing delivery, and the Climate Action Plan placing new demands on infrastructure and sustainability targets, meeting construction demand will require greater efficiency and new ways of working. In this context, digitalisation and AI are no longer optional efficiency tools — they are essential levers for delivering on national ambitions.”
“Our research shows that while digital adoption is gaining momentum across the sector, a significant gap in skills and applied knowledge remains in our industry. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration with digital experts who not only bring strong digital capability, but also understand the practical complexities of engineering and construction. As Ireland’s population continues to grow, the need to improve our infrastructure becomes more urgent. By combining deep engineering expertise with digital innovation, we can accelerate delivery and build the resilient infrastructure we need.”
Over 250 construction and engineering professionals, representing over 170 individual companies in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe took part in the Strata survey in the second quarter of 2025.
Smart lockers have transitioned from being a niche convenience to a necessary part of modern commercial buildings. These innovative storage solutions streamline operations and improve the experience for employees and clients alike.
The push towards flexible workspaces and heightened security has cemented their status as a must-have amenity. With numerous advantages such as efficient space utilization, improved security, and user convenience, the increasing adoption of smart lockers is no surprise.
Security and Convenience
The primary benefit of smart lockers is their ability to provide heightened security. These lockers utilize advanced locking technologies and employ keypad or biometric systems, which reduce the likelihood of theft. Personal items and sensitive materials remain safeguarded. Users only need to enter a unique code or scan a fingerprint, making it easy to secure personal belongings without the hassle of traditional keys.
The use of smart lockers also facilitates a seamless experience. Individuals can retrieve their belongings quickly and conveniently anytime they want. Those looking for comprehensive options can discover workplace smart locker solutions that cater to their needs. Integrating smart locker solutions into commercial buildings enables businesses to create an environment that prioritizes safety and accessibility.
Space and Collaboration
Many organizations are now shifting towards open office layouts designed to promote collaboration and innovation. With the implementation of smart lockers, businesses can minimize the need for dedicated desks and provide employees with flexible working options. Rather than cluttering spaces with personal belongings, workers can securely stow their items in smart lockers, freeing up valuable real estate for collaborative efforts.
An added advantage is that these lockers feature customizable sizes that optimize space. Flexible storage solutions can accommodate varied capacities, catering to different team sizes and work styles.
Remote Work and Hybrid Models
Remote work is now commonplace, and businesses are reassessing their workspace requirements. Smart lockers provide the perfect complement to this trend. Employees who transition between working from home and the office can easily store essential items in secure lockers.
Efficiently organizing a shared workspace with smart lockers means that companies provide consistent access to necessary equipment and maintain an organized atmosphere. Smart locker technology encourages employees to embrace office time.
Package and Mail Management
Managing incoming packages is a cumbersome aspect of operations for many businesses. The rise of e-commerce has resulted in significant increases in package deliveries, mostly causing congestion at reception areas.
Smart lockers present a streamlined solution to tackle this issue. By implementing a system where packages are delivered directly to smart lockers, businesses can unburden their reception staff and enable users to pick up their items at their convenience. The automated notifications sent to users inform them when packages are ready. The technology maintains a structured environment in commercial buildings, improving operational efficiency and cultivating a better experience for all users.
Sustainability Practices
The integration of smart lockers aligns seamlessly with sustainability initiatives that many businesses champion today. A paperless approach will reduce reliance on physical storage, and companies can create a more eco-friendly footprint. Smart lockers inherently promote digital solutions for personal storage needs, cutting down the use of traditional resources such as paper and plastic. They eliminate the need for excessive physical locker materials and contribute to reduced materials waste.
Businesses can also monitor locker usage patterns, adjusting their usage to optimize resource allocation and avoid over-purchasing. This data-driven approach allows organizations to make smarter environmental decisions and engage users in sustainable practices. Companies today recognize the importance of eco-consciousness, and smart lockers become a contribution to any organization’s commitment to sustainability.
Employee Satisfaction and Productivity
Happy employees are more productive. In this context, smart lockers can boost workplace morale. When employees feel their belongings are secure and easily accessible, their focus can shift back to work rather than worrying about the safety of their personal items. Smart lockers eliminate clutter within workplaces, leading to a more organized and aesthetically pleasing environment. Beauty in the office space can greatly influence employee satisfaction, as individuals respond positively to well-organized areas.
Thanks to easier collaboration and interaction, smart lockers can improve workplace relationships and cultivate a sense of camaraderie among team members. A harmonious work atmosphere results in better communication, creativity, and higher productivity levels.
Incorporating smart lockers within commercial buildings is a strategic move towards embracing modern technology and improving operational efficiency. Their ability to offer security, streamline processes, and contribute to a productive workspace can drive business success.
With increasing demands for flexibility and convenience in the workforce, smart lockers stand out as the must-have feature that aligns with evolving workplace dynamics. The positive effects extend far beyond storage needs, impacting overall employee satisfaction and organizational productivity.
Miagen, the leader in financial modelling technology solutions, today announces the launch of a solution that will help Europe’s football clubs to comply with financial sustainability rules. With football clubs across Europe facing mounting financial scrutiny and risking crippling sanctions, the solution, SportsGen will help clubs to navigate their finances, protect their long-term survival and save up to €3M on wages per season.
Financial sustainability rules have shaken up the world of football recently, after a number of clubs were docked points and even rendered bankrupt for falling foul of them. The rules, which mostly apply to European and English football leagues, were introduced to ensure football clubs operate within their financial means, promoting long-term financial stability and preventing reckless spending.
SportsGen is a financial planning & analysis (FP&A) platform built for mid-tier and elite football clubs. Miagen estimates that that insights enabled by its software can help clubs to increase match-day revenues by up to 10%. The platform enables clubs to see missed revenue opportunities – including those relating to attendance, pricing and scheduling – so they can implement new strategies to optimise ticket sales.
SportsGen’s real-time financial insights are enabled by integrating live data from ticketing, sponsorships, broadcasting and merchandising. It allows clubs to model different league finishing positions, assess financial implications, and stay within spending limits to avoid harsh penalties like point deductions and relegation. With smart forecasting for wages, transfers and operational costs, SportsGen helps clubs to make informed decisions during transfer windows and remain competitive while staying compliant with financial regulations. Additionally, Miagen is already planning updates that will integrate AI-driven player valuation and scouting insights.
The new solution comes on the back of Miagen’s dominance in financial modelling for the world’s aircraft leasing market. The Dublin-based company’s financial modelling platform, LeaseGen, is now used for one in five of the global leased aircraft fleet.
Brian Byrne, COO, Miagen, said: “Football is no longer just about success on the pitch; it’s about sustainability off it. Clubs are making high-risk financial decisions on transfer spending, wage structures and operational costs, but often without the right tools. The stakes have never been higher, as financial miscalculations can mean relegation, massive revenue losses and even club extinction.
“Football clubs are more than just businesses; many have been at the heart of communities for more than a century. They bring people together and are playing a major role in funding and supporting women’s sport. Through better financial planning with SportsGen, they can make even greater progress on this work and ultimately, ensure they thrive in today’s uncompromising football economy.”
About Miagen
Miagen is a consultancy firm specialising in agile business planning solutions that empower finance to lead using real-time business and industry insights. It has developed industry-specific solutions that enhance business performance and unlock competitive edge.
Over the decades, personal computers have evolved from simple work tools into indispensable companions that shape how we live and work. Tara Gale, Client Solutions Country Lead at Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more.
But now we’re on a cusp of game-changing revolution with Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforming the PC and other devices we use on a daily basis. We are entering a new era in workplace technology, with AI redefining productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for Irish businesses.
Rise of AI-powered PCs
As organisations in Ireland navigate an increasingly data-driven world, the demand for faster and more secure workflows is growing. AI PCs step up to this challenge by integrating powerful on-device AI capabilities that reduce reliance on the cloud.
At its core, AI PCs are accelerated desktops, laptops, and workstations capable of running AI-optimised apps locally on device.
By processing data locally with embedded accelerators like Neural Processing Unites (NPUs), these devices offer a more responsive user experiences and a seamless approach to manage workloads all while ensuring improved security and energy efficiency. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also opens new opportunities for AI development, deployment, and fine-tuning directly at the user’s fingertips.
These next-generation devices are more than just an upgrade. They represent a fundamental shift in workplace technology, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises.
Leveraging decades of innovation in purpose-built accelerators, such as NPUs and GPUs, our latest AI PCs at Dell Technologies help to unlock the power of AI for the end user. With devices like the Dell Pro Max PC can handle up to 30 billion-parameter AI models, equipping Irish enterprises to tackle complex challenges effortlessly.
AI PCs are designed to empower users with unparalleled productivity capabilities. By leveraging on-device AI, these PCs streamline workflows and enable employees to handle complex tasks with ease. Features like intelligent automation and predictive analytics reduce time spent on repetitive processes allowing user to focus on higher-value work.
Sustainability and Innovation
Beyond performance, efficiency, and sustainability what remains a key priority for businesses across Ireland is to align themselves and support Ireland’s environmental commitments while allowing their business to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising on technological advancement. AI PCs contribute to these goals by optimising energy usage and reducing overall carbon footprints.
At CES 2025, Dell Technologies unveiled its latest AI PC portfolio, showcasing a range of devices built to support diverse business requirements. Devices in the Dell Pro portfolio, features low emissions aluminium and a modular USB-C Port to minimise carbon footprint.
Dell is all-in on the AI PC experience and we’re aligning this innovation with the broader vision to lead the industry and offer the most comprehensive AI portfolio spanning from desktop to data centre to cloud, all under one roof.
At a recent event, we brought our AI-enabled PCs and tools directly to Irish customers, developers, and IT administrators, providing hands-on experience of our products designed to build and deploy AI applications seamlessly. By streamlining AI capabilities into everyday workflows, these devices empower users to work smarter and drive real business value.
Our collaboration with industry leaders such as NVIDIA has resulted in innovations like the Dell AI Factory, an end-to-end solution combining cutting-edge hardware and software to deliver unmatched AI performance. Meanwhile, the Dell Data Lakehouse simplifies data management and accelerates insights by up to 90%, allowing businesses to make smarter decisions faster.
Benefits of Adopting AI PCs
In 2025, Irish businesses will embrace AI-powered PCs as essential tools for boosting productivity and redefining the future of work. These advanced devices, equipped with embedded AI, will streamline daily tasks such as drafting follow-ups, organising to-do lists, and summarising emails before the workday even starts.
With AI capabilities soon becoming a standard expectation in PCs, the benefits are clear:
Enhanced productivity: Future workloads are increasingly going to be AI-driven, making AI PCs indispensable for tackling complex data challenges. People working with AI PCs will have an edge of fast and more responsive performance, leaving those on outdated devices unable to harness the benefits.
PC refresh opportunity: With over 1.5 billion units in the global commercially installed based and nearly 30pc of them being four years old or more, now is the perfect time to upgrade to AI PCs. Older PCs lack NPUs making them obsolete to handle AI workloads.
With the Windows upgrade cycle ending in October 2025 where hardware requirements may exceed the capabilities of older devices, businesses have a strategic opportunity to embrace smarter, more sustainable technology.
With a wave of PC upgrades anticipated this year, nearly every device will feature an AI accelerator or NPU, enabling seamless execution of AI-driven apps and workloads. For companies still relying on outdated hardware, upgrading to smarter technology will be pivotal to staying competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape.
The Road Ahead: Embracing AI-powered future
As AI continues to demand greater data processing capabilities, Irish business have opportunity to embrace and innovate. The shift to AI PCs represents as significant advancement in enhancing their workforce productivity and addressing complex data challenges with ease.
This integration of AI into everyday devices is only the beginning. As technology evolves AI PCs will deliver even more intuitive and adaptive computing experiences, ranging from smarter workflows to enhanced collaboration tools.
For businesses here in Ireland, adopting these AI powered devices is far more than a routine tech upgrade, it’s a forward-thinking strategy that aligns innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. By investing in these transformative devices, businesses can unlock the power to drive their success and redefine the future of work.
