30 September 2025
Transforming Dublin Responsibly: Hibernia’s enhanced ESG strategy and Climate Transition Plan
Introduction
In a rapidly shifting world where climate imperatives and social needs are more urgent than ever, Hibernia Real Estate Group is proud to unveil its updated ESG strategy for the period 2025-2030 and the launch of our comprehensive Climate Transition Plan. Building on the momentum of “Transforming Dublin Responsibly,” our new framework reflects both the progress we’ve achieved and the expanded ambitions that will guide us through the coming decade.
“This strategy is about more than future-proofing our buildings—it's about creating enduring value for our customers, communities, and the city itself. Dublin is evolving, and so must we, leading with integrity and innovation to help shape a resilient, sustainable urban landscape for generations to come.” - Thomas Edwards Moss, CE of Hibernia
Progress and purpose: why we’re updating
Since the publication of our original Statement of Intent in 2021, Hibernia has made significant strides in embedding sustainability across all facets of our operations, a process that has aligned with the global recalibration of what true climate stewardship entails.
Advances in technology, insights from the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on urban life, and the increasing risks and opportunities presented by climate change have all contributed to our refined approach.
Our 2024 Double Materiality Assessment has been instrumental in shaping our updated ESG strategy, examining our influence on environmental and social outcomes and assessing how these factors affect our financial performance.
“We’re committed to a strategy that is both scientifically grounded and commercially compelling. Our transition plan integrates climate resilience, social impact, and environmental excellence—moving beyond compliance to set new benchmarks in the Irish property sector.” - Neil Menzies, Director of Sustainability
The pillars of our enhanced ESG strategy
Hibernia’s updated sustainability strategy is structured around three interconnected pillars, each designed to maximise value for stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to the climate and community goals of both Dublin and Ireland.
1. Climate resilience and adaptation
While our operational carbon journey continues, this new strategic chapter focuses intently on building comprehensive climate resilience across our portfolio and operations. Our Climate Transition Plan details proactive adaptation measures that protect assets, occupiers, and communities from physical climate risks such as flooding, extreme weather, and heat stress.
As part of the plan, we are committed to rigorously assessing the vulnerability of our properties to key climate threats, employing advanced modelling and site-specific surveys. The insights we gain from this process will be used to drive targeted investments in flood barriers, enhanced stormwater management, and nature-based solutions including green roofs.
The plan also outlines portfolio-wide standards for climate-resilient design and operations, ensuring every new development and refurbishment incorporates best-in-class adaptation strategies.
“Climate resilience isn’t a destination—it’s a dynamic process. Our Climate Transition Plan leverages scientific modelling and stakeholder engagement to ensure that every asset and every decision is informed by a clear understanding of risk and opportunity” - Neil Menzies.
2. Environment, health & wellbeing in the built environment
Hibernia’s ambition to provide spaces that prioritise environmental performance, health, and wellbeing is stronger than ever. The new ESG strategy mandates WELL certification for all new developments and LEED certification across 100% of our managed assets. We have placed renewed emphasis on operational performance—air and water quality, energy efficiency, and exceptional standards of health and safety.
Key initiatives include:
• Annual health and wellbeing programmes and training for building management teams.
• Comprehensive waste management strategies aiming for zero waste to landfill and a minimum 70% recycling rate by 2030.
• Water usage measurement and targeted reduction goals, with enhanced reporting.
• Biodiversity Net Gain methodology applied to every major project; the ongoing restoration of 20 acres in the Dublin Mountains; and partnerships with local conservation and community organisations.
• Enhanced occupier engagement through sustainability dashboards, quarterly newsletters, workshops, and regular feedback surveys.
“We believe healthy buildings are the foundation of a thriving city. By combining rigorous standards with creative engagement, we’re making sustainability tangible for every customer and occupier.” - Thomas Edwards Moss
3. Social impact and community engagement
The third pillar of our updated strategy is a robust commitment to social impact, grounded in measurable outcomes and continual partnerships with local communities. Our Social Impact Framework quantifies the value created by our operations, ensuring every project contributes positively to Dublin’s social fabric.
Key commitments include:
• Support for educational initiatives and green skills development in local communities.
• Creation of shared spaces that foster interaction, wellbeing, and cultural enrichment.
• Promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our workforce and supply chain.
• Integration of social impact goals into every development and refurbishment.
• Ongoing partnerships with charities and local groups, including artist-in-residence programmes and support for the ULI Urban Plan initiative.
• Strong governance, with all staff and suppliers screened for ESG criteria and linked to performance-based remuneration.
“Our ESG strategy isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about people. Our strategy is to create places that enable opportunity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone who interacts with our buildings.” – Neil Menzies
The Climate Transition Plan
Hibernia’s Climate Transition Plan is a targeted roadmap guiding our business through the dynamic challenges of a changing climate. Developed in close consultation with sector experts, the plan identifies and manages climate-related risks and opportunities across our portfolio and operations. It incorporates detailed scenario analysis, asset-level risk assessments, and concrete actions to improve climate resilience, from flood mitigation and adaptive landscaping to the integration of advanced building systems.
The plan sets out annual milestones for adaptation measures, ensuring accountability and regular progress reviews. It also aligns with leading international frameworks, fostering transparency and allowing our stakeholders to understand how Hibernia is proactively managing climate risks and seizing opportunities for long-term value creation.
“Our Climate Transition Plan is a living document—updated continually as the science and the city change. By embedding resilience at the heart of our business, we’re not just responding to risk; we’re unlocking new potential for innovation and positive impact in Dublin.” – Neil Menzies
Additional Ambitions and Industry Leadership
Hibernia is committed to ESG communications and industry collaboration. We publish quarterly ESG newsletters, respond to the internationally recognised ESG benchmarks of GRESB and CDP, actively participate in IGBC and World Green Building Council working groups, and contribute to the advancement of benchmarking standards and sustainability policy in Ireland’s real estate sector.
Download full documents below.