Sustainability central to business competitiveness, Muir says
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir addressing the All-Ireland Sustainability Festival of Sustainable Impact
Thursday 01 October 2026
Northern Ireland businesses that cut waste, use resources more efficiently and invest in innovation will be better placed to grow and attract investment, Environment Minister Andrew Muir has said.
Speaking at a sustainability festival in Belfast, the DAERA Minister argued that environmental action was becoming central to business success, with implications for costs, resilience and access to future markets.
He also confirmed that work is already under way on Northern Ireland’s second Climate Action Plan, covering 2028 to 2032, with businesses among the sectors expected to help deliver the region’s legally binding climate targets.
Sustainability at the heart of business decisions
Addressing business leaders, academics, environmental organisations and policymakers at the All-Ireland Sustainability Festival of Sustainable Impact, Mr Muir said the theme, “Smarter Business Through Sustainability”, reflected a shift in how organisations approach growth.
He said:
“Sustainability is no longer a separate consideration from business strategy. It is central to competitiveness, resilience and long-term success.
”Organisations that reduce waste, use resources efficiently and invest in innovation will be better placed to grow, attract investment and succeed in the markets of the future.“
The Minister said meeting Northern Ireland’s climate targets would require action across every sector of the economy, alongside cooperation between government, businesses, academia, local communities and civic society.
Annual funding for farming transition
Agriculture is a significant part of that transition. DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme is backed by £332.5 million a year to help develop a more productive, environmentally sustainable and resilient farming sector.
Wider support is aimed at helping farm businesses protect water quality, improve soil health, enhance biodiversity and prepare for climate impacts. Investment in innovation, advice and knowledge sharing is also intended to give businesses the skills and information needed to make changes.
Beyond farming, the department supports more efficient use of resources, waste reduction, environmental protection and nature recovery. This includes circular economy approaches, which keep materials and products in use for longer rather than discarding them.
DAERA says these priorities can help organisations reduce costs and risks, meet environmental requirements and access new markets.
Cooperation across borders and sectors
Mr Muir argued that the environmental pressures facing businesses required a response extending beyond individual organisations or jurisdictions.
He said:
“Climate change, biodiversity loss, water quality, resource security and sustainable food production do not recognise borders. Collaboration north and south, and across sectors, is essential. Those who act early will be best placed to compete.”
For businesses weighing up changes, his central argument was that sustainability should form part of planning for long-term commercial success:
“The message behind today’s theme is clear: sustainability is not a barrier to business success. It is increasingly one of its foundations.”
