A record 12 Irish companies achieved the highest 'A' rating for their environmental transparency and performance, according to the latest annual review from the CDP Ireland Network.
The top climate performers are Accenture, CRH, Cairn Homes, DCC, Eaton Corporation, Glenveagh Properties, John Sisk & Son, Johnson Controls International, Kerry Group, Ryanair, Trane Technologies and Version 1.
These are among 903 responding companies that are either headquartered or with operations in Ireland.
Four Irish companies also attained an A- score, bringing the total number of Irish companies with ratings of A- or higher to 16.
These companies were C&C Group, Experian Group, Kingspan Group and the National Treasury Management Agency, reflecting increasingly strong performances across the construction, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), insurance and financial services sectors.
The CDP Ireland Network said this marks the highest number of companies in Ireland ever recognised by CDP, the global non-profit organisation that operates the world's environmental disclosure system.
The number of "A List" companies in Ireland has doubled from six in 2024, to 12 in 2025, underlining the resilience of Irish corporate climate leadership at a time when ESG commitments are facing increasing political and economic pressure internationally.
The CDP Ireland Network represents the CDP's interests in Ireland. The network brings together corporate leaders in sustainability and other stakeholders with the aim of encouraging companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share vital environmental information.
Supported by EPA and SEAI, the network has attracted over 100 members to date.
CDP Ireland Network's Annual Review for last year also reveals that over 900 companies headquartered or operating in Ireland, now report their environmental performance through CDP, reinforcing the country's growing commitment to climate transparency despite global ESG headwinds.
It noted that while the total number of companies disclosing globally declined slightly, Irish businesses continued to improve performance year-on-year, with stronger engagement on climate governance, biodiversity, water security and transition planning.
Mark Bennett, Executive Director of CDP Ireland Network, said that Corporate Environmental Disclosure is no longer a business hygiene factor.
"Whether looking to grow your business, reduce costs, avoid risk and increasingly to meet regulatory expectations, an increasing number of companies are disclosing their emissions and climate impacts," Mr Bennett said.
"Companies scoring A grades are those with the most accurate picture of their environmental impacts and they will be seen by investors, clients and all stakeholders as being the best equipped to compete in a rapidly changing global economy," he said.
"What is particularly significant this year is that Irish companies are increasing their leadership position despite wider ESG headwinds internationally," he added.
He said a record of 12 Irish companies achieving CDP's highest rating sends a strong signal internationally about the ambition and maturity of Ireland's corporate sustainability agenda.
"But the fact remains that we are still not making the progress necessary. So, despite the short-term geopolitical turmoil, the long-term winners will be the companies who stay the course and continue to demonstrate environmental leadership and resilience," he cautioned.
