In4Green Business Networking Event: A Communications Case Study in Sustainable Leadership
Aisling hosting the In4Green event on behalf of Meath County Council
Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting the In4Green Business Networking Event in Navan, Co. Meath, in partnership with Meath County Council’s Climate Team, Meath Local Enterprise Office, and Meath Chamber.
The event took place at the newly opened Thrive Centre of Business Excellence, a space designed to help businesses grow through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainability. The Thrive Centre itself is a tangible outcome of the In4Green Project — a cross-European initiative driving transformative change towards greener, more sustainable industrial practices. Navan is one of nine partner cities (towns) involved in this URBACT-funded project, and the energy in the room reflected that shared purpose.
As a Carbon Literacy Certified communications coach, I was delighted to facilitate a conversation that brought together five inspiring leaders representing different corners of Irish industry:
Kathleen Moore, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
Charles Coyle, General Manager, Emerald Park
Neil Skeffington, CEO and Founder, Novelplast
Paschal Walsh, Sustainability Manager, Boliden Tara Mines
Jason Kenna, Head of Network Projects Ireland, EirGrid
Together, we explored what sustainable leadership looks like in practice — from waste reduction and decarbonisation to community engagement and renewable energy.
Setting the Scene
In my opening remarks, I introduced In4Green as an opportunity for collaboration and learning. The goal was simple: to exchange ideas that help local businesses operate in a more sustainable and future-focused way.
Each panellist brought a unique perspective. Charles Coyle described how Emerald Park integrates sustainability into every level of its operations, from wildlife conservation to waste management and visitor education. For him, sustainability isn’t a marketing add-on, it’s central to the park’s identity and long-term success.
Jason Kenna from EirGrid discussed the critical role of the national electricity grid in supporting Ireland’s renewable energy transition. He emphasised how community engagement is as important as infrastructure in achieving that goal.
From a circular economy perspective, Neil Skeffington of Novelplast shared how his company turns plastic waste into value, transforming PET materials into high-quality recyclate. His passion for innovation has positioned Novelplast as one of Ireland’s leading examples of circular thinking in action.
Representing the SEAI, Kathleen Moore highlighted the supports available for SMEs as they improve energy efficiency and adopt renewable technologies. Her advice was practical: start small, measure progress, and keep going.
Finally, Paschal Walsh of Boliden Tara Mines explained how one of Ireland’s largest industrial employers is tackling decarbonisation through engineering solutions and community partnership. His message was clear — even energy-intensive industries can change their trajectory with the right strategy.
Challenges, Opportunities, and Collaboration
The panel discussion that followed was open and practical. The speakers didn’t shy away from the realities of embedding sustainability — the financial challenges, cultural shifts, and time it takes to create lasting change.
Key themes emerged:
- Start where you are. Every business, no matter its size, can make meaningful progress.
- Engage your people. Staff buy-in is critical to real behavioural change.
- Collaborate, don’t compete. Sharing knowledge accelerates collective impact.
When asked what advice they’d give to businesses just beginning their sustainability journey, Kathleen Moore summed it up perfectly:
“Don’t be afraid to begin. The first step is often the hardest, but every action adds up.”
Looking Ahead
As the discussion drew to a close, one message stood out: Ireland’s sustainable future will be powered by communication as much as by technology.
Each of the panellists shared how storytelling, transparency, and collaboration play a vital role in shaping greener business models. The stories shared in Navan were proof that progress is possible when leadership meets accountability and creativity.
Hosting the In4Green event reaffirmed what I see daily in my work, sustainability isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a communications one too. And that’s where conversations like this make a real difference.
A sincere thank-you to our panellists for their insights, and to Meath County Council, Meath LEO, and Meath Chamber for their continued commitment to supporting local businesses on their sustainability journey.
