Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face increasing pressure to improve sustainability practices and report on their performance, yet many are unsure where to begin or which standards to follow. A robust sustainability reporting and action framework can deliver clear benefits for SMEs,
including cost savings, stronger supply chain positioning, improved access to capital, and long-term resilience.
This practical programme provides a step-by-step approach to building an effective sustainability reporting and action plan aligned with the forthcoming EU Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VSME). Participants will identify key sustainability impacts, risks, and opportunities, address data gaps, and set meaningful targets, culminating in a tailored reporting and action framework supported by real-world application through the ENSO sustainability platform.
Key learning outcomes:
- Recognise what sustainability means for your business
- Evaluate and rank sustainability risks and opportunities
- Identify key environmental and social impacts
- Develop an action plan for managing carbon, waste, water, and biodiversity
- Develop a suite of sustainability metrics and targets
- Design a draft sustainability report
This programme is designed for SME owners, managers, and sustainability leads who are, or will be responsible for developing or contributing to sustainability strategy, reporting, or compliance. It is particularly suited to organisations seeking clear, practical guidance on how to start or strengthen their sustainability reporting in line with emerging EU expectations.
The programme is delivered online over a period of eights weeks (two hours per week). The programme will run in Spring 2026.
The delivery of the programme is coordinated by the UCC Sustainability Academy which has a successful track record in delivering learner-centric training programmes that engage and inspire participants. All lectures are recorded and accessed on the UCC Canvas learning platform. Learners are encouraged to keep a learning log following each session and can directly engage with the team on queries, reflections and learnings.
Dr. Paul Bolger
Head of UCC Sustainability Academy – Programme Lead
The Sustainability Reporting for SMEs programme is led by Dr. Paul Bolger, Head of UCC Sustainability Academy, and will include co-designed modules with ENSO Impact.
Cara O’Mahony
Sustainability Trainer, UCC Sustainability Academy
Donal Quinn
Founder/CEO, ENSO
Erin Maher
Sustainability Strategist and Advisor, ENSO
Grant funding comes from Skillnet Ireland through the Irish National Training fund, and, as a result, is ONLY available to residents of the Republic of Ireland who work as a sole trader, or for a private or semi-state commercial company registered in ROI. If you are not eligible for the discount, you will still have the option to enrol by paying the full course fee. Please read Eligibility Criteria.
The UCC Sustainability Academy is the first university sustainability training and education unit established in 2024 to meet the growing demand for climate and sustainability skills across the public and private sectors. Drawing on the expertise of over 100 sustainability academics across 25 UCC Schools, alongside industry practitioners, the Academy delivers cutting-edge, researchinformed programmes grounded in the work of the internationally recognised UCC Sustainability Institute. With a strong track record of co-creating practical, learner-centred training, the Academy delivers engaging programmes in-person and online for government, industry, enterprise, and community partners.
ENSO is a Sustainability and Impact Agency that helps SMEs turn sustainability into a competitive advantage. Through its all-in-one digital platform and expert-led support, ENSO simplifies strategy creation, data tracking and sustainability reporting. The ENSO team works closely with businesses to gather and structure the data they need for tenders, supply chain requests and customer communications. The platform is fully aligned with internationally recognised frameworks such as the EU Voluntary SME Guidelines (VSME), making it easier for businesses to take action and communicate progress with confidence.
