Festival of Sustainable Impact to encourage and celebrate sustainable practice across Ireland

Launching the 2026 All-Ireland Festival of Sustainable Impact, scheduled to take place on October 1, are (from left) Maire Cowan, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland; event organiser Erin Atkinson, Callow Events; Judy MceElroy, NIE Networks; Jenda McSwiggan, Cushon; event organiser Danielle McCormick, All-Ireland Sustainability/Triterra; Laura Edens, Cushon; and Christopher Martin, Danske Bank

The Festival of Sustainable Impact will bring together businesses, organisations and sustainability leaders from across the island of Ireland this October for a full-day programme celebrating innovation, collaboration and practical approaches to sustainable business. Organised by All-Ireland Sustainability (AIS) and Callow Events, the 2026 Festival of Sustainable Impact, in partnership with Cushon, will take place on Thursday 1st October 2026 at Belfast's Europa Hotel.

The all-day celebration of sustainable practice will welcome businesses and organisations from across the island of Ireland, reflecting a broad range of sustainability-focused perspectives and sectors including sustainable finance, biodiversity, behavioural insights, green marketing, tourism, circular economy, innovation, policy, ESG leadership and practical business transformation.

Centred around the theme "Smarter Business Through Sustainability," the event will explore how organisations can use sustainability as a practical tool to reduce costs, create long-term value, support people, strengthen resilience and improve overall business performance. Speakers throughout the day will highlight how sustainability has evolved beyond standalone environmental initiatives to a smarter way of operating, investing, engaging staff and future-proofing organisations.

Now in its fifth year – and in line with the All-Ireland Sustainability ethos – the programme will feature a carefully curated, cross-sector agenda and line-up. The Festival of Sustainable Impact will combine the All-Ireland Sustainability Summit and Sustainability Awards for the first time into one day-long celebration of sustainable impact.

Danielle McCormick, Founder of All-Ireland Sustainability / Triterra, said: "We are delighted to announce the re-imagined Festival of Sustainable Impact which will shine a light on outstanding champions of sustainability in business across the Island of Ireland. Alongside our headline sponsor Cushon, and our key supporting sponsors, we are looking forward to recognising innovative thinking, ethical practice, and future-focused organisations from a range of sectors with the aim of inspiring businesses and organisations of all sizes to further embrace sustainability in their day-to-day operations and long-term objectives."

Headline sponsor Cushon will offer valuable support for this year's event. Offering workplace pensions and savings centred around sustainability and climate-consciousness, Cushon's range of products offers simple ways for businesses to embrace sustainability. Cushon connects employees with the way their pension investments can help to improve the world they will retire into.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Jenda McSwiggan, Head of Growth Operations, NI, said: "Cushon is delighted to support the Festival of Sustainable Impact, an event that brings together organisations committed to creating a more sustainable future. We believe long-term thinking, responsible investment and positive social impact all play a vital role in building better futures for people, businesses and communities. We're excited to be a part of the collaboration and celebration which will take place throughout the festival."

The daytime programme will include a series of plenary and fireside sessions, alongside informative break-out and practical learning opportunities featuring speakers from partner organisations including NIE Networks, Danske Bank and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.

Thematic areas will include Sustainable Travel & Tourism, Manufacturing, AI and Sustainable Technology, Scope 3 Emissions Management and Monitoring, Green Marketing, Sustainability Reporting and Behavioural Insights.

Throughout the day, an interactive exhibition space will welcome attendees keen to build relationships with consultancies, organisations and facilitators who can help develop, grow and implement sustainability and ESG commitments within their own organisations.

The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards gala dinner and ceremony will begin from 6.30pm and honour projects, initiatives, individuals and organisations who have flown the flag for sustainability over the past year, culminating with the Overall Sustainability Champion of the Year award.

Entries are now open for the 17 award categories, with a closing date of 7th August 2026. A panel of expert judges has been curated to ensure expertise, impartiality and a rigorous judging process to uphold the reputation of this prestigious all-Ireland awards event.

For more information and to get involved with this year's Festival of Sustainable Impact, including entering the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, visit www.allirelandsustainability.com‍ ‍