13th November 2023: As part of Science Week 2023, which runs from the 12th to 19th November, Energia Group is highlighting the impact of its people on maintaining and enhancing biodiversity at its site as well as its contributions to Ireland’s climate goals.
One such example, is that of Energia Renewables Planning and Environmental Officer, Sean McGovern, a native of Newry, Co. Down, who is playing a key role in helping Energia Group achieve its ESG and climate action commitments. In his role, Sean manages and is responsible for the implementation of measures to protect and enhance the nature and biodiversity at the Group’s renewable sites. Some of these initiatives include rewetting areas of peatland creating conditions suitable for peat forming vegetation, planting native woodlands and hedgerows to allow wildlife to move safely and quickly through the countryside, or installing bird boxes. Sean is also involved in protecting areas of suitable habitat for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, Ireland’s only protected insect.
Talking about what he likes the most about his role, Sean said; “The best part of my role is that no two days are the same, which means that I am constantly learning new things. Ensuring that we protect and enhance all the habitats and species through our sites is a constantly evolving and challenging role, and I am fortunate to work with such a great and supportive team of experts. The biodiversity and climate emergencies we are facing are two sides of the same coin, and contributing towards a better and more sustainable future is something I really enjoy.”
Energia Group recognises that addressing the climate crisis, restoring nature, and protecting biodiversity are interlinked, and that climate change cannot be mitigated without taking action to repair and restore natural systems.
As such, the company has set up a bespoke project focused on nature and is supporting a range of initiatives like the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and Trinity College’s Nature+Energy programme. Furthermore, earlier this year, the group partnered with Vyra to provide an interactive learning module on biodiversity to all its employees.
Another member of the Energia Group team playing a key part of Group’s nature project is Susan Glascott. Originally from Tipperary, she studied Food Science in University College Cork, and with more than ten years of experience in Health, Safety, and Environment, she is now Energia Renewables’s Health Safety and Environment Manager. When asked about the nature project she is part of she said, “It is great to see that businesses and organisations are starting to take nature and biodiversity more seriously. I really enjoy being involved in a project with committed and passionate colleagues to explore ways in which we can improve nature and biodiversity. Furthermore, visiting our sites and seeing the technology at them that is helping us have a positive impact in the environment is something that makes me feel proud of the work we are doing.”
Furthermore, encouraging more young people to get involved in science and STEM she said; “It is so important to follow your interests and what you enjoy. If you are passionate about any field in science or STEM in general, I would really encourage you to study and pursue a career in it, as there is always something new to learn, challenges to solve, and new technologies to develop. If you can, talk to someone who is currently either working or studying in the STEM field you’re interested in, because they will be delighted to share their experience and offer advice on the many career paths you can pursue."
