New independent research published today by energy transition company, Pinergy, in collaboration with iReach Insights, uncovers the primary motivations, intentions, and challenges faced by Irish businesses as they plan their energy sustainability strategies for 2026.
The comprehensive ‘Pinergy Energy Sustainability Research Study’ reveals that cost efficiencies are overwhelmingly the top driver (68%) for businesses investing in sustainable initiatives, with a significant 26% also prioritising increased resistance to energy price volatility.
While intent to adopt green technologies like solar and electric vehicle (EV) fleets is robust, the study highlights two crucial organisational hurdles: an ‘Energy Monitoring Gap’ where nearly half (46%) of businesses actively monitor their energy usage, but a startling 25% only do so when the bill arrives, and 29% admit to no real monitoring at all.
Furthermore, the research reveals a concerning ‘Sustainability Leadership Vacuum’, with 28% of businesses confirming no single individual or department is formally responsible for driving energy management and sustainability initiatives. This underscores a significant opportunity for better energy governance.
“The findings clearly indicate that Irish businesses are not just looking at sustainability as a ‘nice-to-have’ or purely for the sake of the environment; it’s a strategic imperative driven by the bottom line,” says Daire Keating, chief commercial officer at Pinergy.
“The desire for cost savings and energy independence is a powerful catalyst for change. However, our research also shines a light on critical gaps in execution: you can’t effectively manage what you don’t measure, and without clear ownership, initiatives can lose momentum.”
He added: “The ‘Energy Monitoring Gap’ and the ‘Sustainability Leadership Vacuum’ suggest many businesses are missing out on significant opportunities to optimise their energy consumption, accelerate their transition to a more sustainable and cost-efficient future, and ensure accountability.”
Key findings from the “Pinergy Energy Sustainability Research Study” include:
- Financial Drivers Dominate: An overwhelming 68% cite cost efficiencies as the primary motivator for investing in energy sustainability in 2026, followed by 33% meeting regulatory requirements/compliance and 26% seeking increased resistance to energy price volatility.
- Critical ‘Energy Monitoring Gap’: Nearly half (46%) actively monitor their business’s energy usage, but a stark 25% only do so when the bill arrives, and 29% don’t really monitor it at all.
- ‘Sustainability Leadership Vacuum’: A significant 28% of businesses report having no single individual or department formally responsible for driving energy management and sustainability initiatives.
- Clear Intent for Carbon Reduction: 40% of Irish businesses have already set specific targets to reduce carbon emissions by the end of 2026, with a further 24% actively considering it.
- Solar Power on the Rise: 43% of businesses surveyed currently have solar panels installed. Among those without, almost 1 in 4 (24%) plan to install them in 2026.
- Green Energy Migration: 21% of businesses not currently using green or renewable electricity are planning to make the switch in the new year, indicating a growing movement towards certified renewable sources.
- Electrifying Fleets: More than 3 in 5 (63%) businesses incorporate hybrid or electric vehicles into their fleets, with 22% already fully electric. This trend is set to accelerate, as nearly 2 in 5 (38%) businesses with non-EV fleets plan to transition more vehicles to fully electric in 2026.
- Persistent Challenges: The biggest hurdles for businesses implementing energy efficiency measures are perceived upfront investment costs (42%), difficulty in securing financing/capital (29%), and a lack of internal expertise (25%).
The research, based on 100 responses from Energy Decision Makers in businesses across Ireland, provides vital insights for companies looking to refine their business plans and priorities for the coming year.
“While the intent and ambition are clearly there, the research highlights areas where businesses need greater support – from clear energy monitoring solutions to guidance on navigating investment and establishing internal accountability,” adds Keating.
“Pinergy is committed to helping Irish businesses bridge these gaps, offering tailored solutions that empower them to achieve their sustainability goals, drive down costs, and secure a more predictable energy future.”
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