Lis Dare
Business Working Responsibly Mark Manager
As companies seek to decarbonise and become more inclusive, they search for structured frameworks and accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to their customers, employees and investors.
The Business Working Responsibly Mark (Mark) is Ireland’s leading standard for Economic, Environmental, Social and Governance (EESG) performance. Administered by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and independently certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), the Mark enables organisations to move beyond compliance and demonstrate credible leadership in sustainable business practice.
Making sustainability part of SMEs’ day-to-day
The Mark provides a practical, structured framework to embed sustainability into core business strategy. It ensures sustainability is no longer treated as a standalone initiative but threaded into leadership decision-making, risk management and day-to-day operations.
Already, many BITCI members spanning multiple sectors are certified with the Business Working Responsibly Mark. Now, in response to a growing demand for sustainable supply chains, it is open to benefit SMEs. Funding options are available from Enterprise Ireland to support SMEs to acquire the Mark.
gaps will be identified along with a detailed and bespoke action plan
Access to a guided audit process
Unlike other sustainability certifications, Mark certification is a guided audit process. All
companies begin with an in-depth gap analysis against the Mark Standard with a BITCI in-house team of specialist advisers. From this analysis, gaps will be identified along with a detailed and bespoke action plan.
When ready, organisations can then go for a third-party certification audit with the NSAI. This involves an evidence-based assessment of policies, processes and performance. The three-year certification cycle ensures that improvements are sustained and continuously built upon, supporting long-term business success.
Benefits of certification
For companies navigating growth, regulation and increasing stakeholder expectations, the Business Working Responsibly Mark offers:
- A trusted framework to embed ESG without overwhelming resources
- A clear action plan to integrate sustainability into business strategy
- A way to differentiate in the marketplace
- A tool to strengthen governance and manage risk
- A pathway to unlock new business opportunities
- A foundation for long-term, sustainable growth
It enables organisations to move beyond good intentions and deliver meaningful, measurable impact. Take the next step by starting your journey towards the Business Working Responsibly Mark.
Business Working Responsibly Mark: bitc.ie/our-services/your-sustainability-journey/business-working-responsibly-mark/
