Run by responsible business network Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC), the Survey asks organisations to complete an environmental questionnaire which is then assessed and scored, enabling companies to identify gaps in their approach, see what they’re doing well, and compare themselves to others. The results are released publicly in November.

This is the 28^th year of the Survey, a free initiative thanks to support from DAERA and Coca-Cola HBC. All participating organisations receive a gap analysis report, which helps to identify areas of action to drive environmental performance year-on-year.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “It’s crucial that everyone plays their part in delivering a nature positive future. That’s why my Department is supporting the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, to positively influence businesses to identify their environmental impacts and showcase those that are excelling from a sustainability perspective. I would encourage organisations of all sizes and from all sectors to take part in 2026. By all working together we can tackle climate change, drive green growth and promote nature recovery.”

Tom Burke, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland (pictured below) said: “The NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey provides a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland businesses to assess progress on our sustainability journey against industry-wide best practice.

“As a local business committed to making a positive difference for the environment and the communities we serve in Northern Ireland, we welcome the opportunity to benchmark ourselves against other leading organisations, learn from their approaches, and continuously raise our own standards.

“At Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, we are fully committed to delivering on our sustainability goals, as outlined in our NetZeroby40 strategy. This survey not only helps us measure our progress, but also inspires us to continuously improve and innovate in our sustainability efforts, ensuring a better future for our environment, customers and communities.”

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, BITCNI: “Responsible businesses and organisations of all sizes and from all sectors recognise their need to be transparent and take action to improve their environmental impacts and value this external accountability. This Survey is used by many as an annual check to their measure progress but from a wider perspective, the overall findings of the report give us an interesting snapshot of environmental activity across Northern Ireland.

“It’s important to note that the Survey isn’t a competition but a way for an organisation to compare itself to itself, as well as others, over time.”

The Survey is now open and submissions must be completed by Thursday 25 June.

Visit www.bitcni.org.uk/niebs to sign up for a free ‘How to enter’ webinar 10:00 – 10:30 AM on Wednesday 29 April, or to register to take part in the Survey in 2026.

The Survey Report and results will be released in November 2026.