Earlier this year, Pinergy began working with Maynooth University to connect postgraduate students with businesses looking to start or accelerate their sustainability journey.

Getting started

First off, we identified Pinergy commercial clients that we felt would benefit from engaging with the students and gaining a fresh, independent perspective on their own sustainability ambitions. The response was extremely positive, with more than 20 Pinergy clients taking part in the initiative.

The participating businesses were at very different stages of their sustainability journeys. Some had already taken significant steps, including moving to 100% renewable electricity or installing solar panels, while others were looking for guidance on where to begin and which actions would have the greatest impact on their business.

Bringing sustainability into the real world

The initiative formed part of Maynooth University’s Sustainability in Business module, which aims to equip future business leaders with the skills and understanding required to integrate sustainability into organisational strategy. Students came from a diverse range of backgrounds and postgraduate programmes, including MSc and MBA pathways, bringing different perspectives, skills and professional experience to the participating businesses.

Michelle McKenna, Head of Sustainability Partnerships at Pinergy, met with more than 100 students, alongside other industry speakers, to provide an overview of the Irish energy market and some of the key factors influencing energy supply and pricing.

Over the course of the three-month project, students worked directly with their allocated businesses through face-to-face visits and online meetings. They explored industry-specific sustainability challenges and developed tailored reports, frameworks and proposed solutions designed to help each organisation identify practical next steps.

The students also completed individual reports and participated in classroom exercises, combining academic learning with direct exposure to the sustainability challenges facing Irish businesses.

Creating value for students and businesses

For the students, the initiative provided an opportunity to engage directly with business professionals, understand real-world challenges and build practical experience that will support them as they progress their careers.

For the Pinergy clients participating, it provided something equally valuable: an independent perspective on their sustainability journey, together with fresh thinking, research and practical recommendations.

The partnership also created opportunities beyond the module itself, with Pinergy delighted to support two students with work placement and internship opportunities.

Next Steps

The feedback from participating businesses has been overwhelmingly positive, with all expressing an interest in taking part again in 2027.

By connecting more than 20 clients with over 100 postgraduate students, Pinergy and Maynooth University have created a partnership that brings together education, business and sustainability in a practical way — helping develop the sustainability leaders of tomorrow while supporting businesses to make meaningful progress today.