What is the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance Ireland?
The Sustainable Recruitment Alliance Ireland (SRAI) is a vibrant network of HR and Talent Acquisition professionals across Ireland who are passionate about driving corporate sustainability. This initiative is all about helping HR leaders reduce the environmental impact of their recruitment processes while saving costs, boosting employer brand goodwill, and fostering a culture of sustainability. By weaving practical environmental and social best practices into every stage of recruitment, the alliance is setting a new standard for how organisations approach hiring—one that’s mindful of the planet and people alike.
The Environmental Impact of Recruitment: Key Figures
Recruitment processes have, for decades, unintentionally contributed to climate change. It’s not just about the obvious stuff like printed documents or interview commutes—there’s a whole lot more waste and emissions involved. Here’s a quick snapshot of the impact in Ireland:
- 36,800 metric tonnes CO2 per annum – That’s the total estimated emissions from recruitment activities, equivalent to nearly 100,000 barrels of oil consumed every year.
- 24,000+ mtCO2e – Emissions from in-person interviews and recruitment-specific events annually.
- 5,000 mtCO2e – CO2 equivalent from waste like merchandise used to attract and onboard talent, plus printed materials such as CVs and contracts.
- 7,500+ mtCO2e – Emissions from e-waste, including digital job ads, employer branding, emails, IT hardware, and more.
The Problem: Why Recruitment Needs a Green Makeover
For years, recruitment has been quietly contributing to climate change without much thought. Think about all the waste generated—from non-reusable event stands and branded merchandise to the carbon footprint of candidates and recruiters traveling for interviews. And it’s not just the environment; social inequalities, wellness, and inclusion are also part of the equation. The recruitment industry is ripe for change, and the SRAI is here to lead the charge.
About the Alliance: Who’s Behind This Movement?
The SRAI is more than just a group—it’s a community of HR and recruitment pros who are sustainability advocates at heart. Members take a public pledge, committing their organisations to sustainable HR and recruitment best practices as they work towards net zero. Open to organisations of all sizes, the alliance empowers members to own the sustainability agenda within their companies, making a real difference from the inside out.
Our Mission: Changing Recruitment for Good
The mission is clear and powerful: collective action can spark significant change and establish a new recruitment standard—one that puts the planet’s health and people’s well-being front and centre. The alliance aims to raise awareness among HR and recruitment professionals about the environmental impact of their work, educate them on green HRM best practices, and celebrate those who commit to:
- Reviewing current recruitment processes to find eco-friendly opportunities.
- Reducing environmental footprints by implementing SRAI best practices.
- Recording initiatives and progress to inspire others and amplify impact.
The vision? Every organisation in Ireland adopting sustainable recruitment practices as a key part of HR’s role in ambitious corporate climate action.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting sustainable economic growth through responsible recruitment.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing social inequalities within recruitment processes.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Minimising waste and emissions in recruitment activities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Directly reducing carbon emissions linked to recruitment.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building a collaborative network of HR professionals driving sustainability.
Why Join the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance Ireland?
Whether a small business just starting out on sustainability or a large multinational leading the way, the alliance offers plenty of perks. Members consistently highlight benefits like:
- Boosting employer brand to attract talent who care about sustainability and ethics.
- Receiving certification and recognition through workshops and annual accreditation.
- Accessing a treasure trove of resources, best practices, and case studies.
- Networking with forward-thinking professionals via events and online forums.
- Building a resilient, committed workforce by fostering a culture of sustainability.
It’s a call to all HR and Talent Acquisition pros in Ireland: join the alliance and be part of a movement that’s reshaping recruitment for the better—prioritising the planet and people, always.
