Climate Action Mandate

The Government’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 envisages the public sector leading by example on climate action to reach the target of reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and becoming climate neutral no later than 2050.

NAMA works closely with the NTMA to ensure it is meeting its obligations under the Climate Action Mandate. Accordingly, the NTMA Climate Action Roadmap encompasses NAMA and reporting requirements relating to relating to the new SEAI monitoring and reporting system and GHG emissions will also be covered for NAMA by the NTMA.

In addition to this, NAMA, as a distinct organisation, has sought to advance sustainability initiatives where possible. The below list outlines NAMA’s initiatives as set out under the criteria included in the Climate Action Roadmap.

OUR PEOPLE

NAMA has a green team – the NAMA Environmental and Sustainability Committee (NESC) – which is chaired by the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer as Climate and Sustainability champion. NESC is a staff led committee comprising representation from each division within NAMA. NESC reports annually to the Finance and Operating Committee on its activities.

NESC engages closely with NAMA staff, the NTMA Green Team, and NTMA Sustainability Group to promote climate awareness and sustainability initiatives, as well as providing education and learning opportunities for staff. Formal staff training will be rolled out in conjunction with the NTMA during 2024.

OUR TARGETS

The NTMA is bound by the public sector target to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030. The NTMA emissions reduction targets are inclusive of NAMA (noting that NAMA will wind down by end-2025). Further to the targets set by CAP24, the NTMA aims to be a Net Zero organisation by 2030.

Emissions data for the NTMA (inclusive of NAMA) is published in the NTMA Annual Report & Financial Statements.

Sustainable Development

NAMA facilitates commercial and residential development which is consistent with the highest standards of sustainable and energy efficient design and development.

New homes constructed on NAMA-funded residential developments achieve A3 Building Energy Ratings (BER) as a minimum with some meeting Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) standards. These developments include quality walking and cycling infrastructure, as well as public amenities such as playgrounds, sports pitches and green areas.

All NAMA-related commercial developments in the Dublin Docklands conform to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, achieving platinum or gold certification. Furthermore, several NAMA-managed Docklands projects have been in receipt of property industry awards in recognition of their quality and contribution to placemaking. Placemaking is important to attract investment to urban environments that offer a good quality of life for people to live and work.

OUR WAY OF WORKING

In order to improve sustainability in day-to-day processes and reduce resource use, NAMA has introduced various initiatives, including:

  • digitisation of all invoice and credit approval processes,
  • digitisation of all papers for formal Executive, Board and Committee meetings,
  • reducing the number of IT systems and the energy consumption of NAMA servers,
  • encouraging exclusive use of mobile phones instead of more energy intensive desk phones, and
  • replacement of bleached printer paper with non-bleached recycled paper and promoting an overall reduction in printing.

Green Public Procurement

NAMA fully supports the Government’s Environmental and Social Consideration Initiative and has adopted such practices by way of Board approved policies and procedures. NAMA incorporates appropriate social and environmental criteria in its procurement practices, as they relate to the performance of services. Criteria include:

  • the prevention or minimisation of waste,
  • the use of recycled products and recycling facilities,
  • energy conservation in buildings and in the use of equipment,
  • the minimising of storage requirements, and
  • the use of paperless office solutions.

Further information on NAMA contracts which incorporated green criteria as part of the procurement process can be found in the NAMA Annual Report.

OUR BUILDINGS AND VEHICLES

The NAMA and NTMA offices are located at Treasury Dock, which is certified as BER A3, LEED Platinum and nZEB. The development of Treasury Dock was facilitated by NAMA as part of the Dublin Landings project. The building includes high specification energy, heat, and water saving systems and will be connected to the Dublin District Heating scheme when rolled out by DCC.

Precedence is given to active modes of commuting to Treasury Dock, with ample bicycle parking and quality changing facilities onsite. Over one third of NTMA staff use active modes to commute to the office.

Electric vehicle charging points are also provided onsite, however, there are limited car parking spaces available overall given the proximity of the building to bus, train and Luas routes. Any new or replacement company vehicles procured are required to be electric or hybrid.