In the latest episode of Pod Net Zero, Bord Gáis Energy’s Meadhbh Quinn discusses how smart technology, inclusive strategies, and customer education are driving Ireland’s energy transition. With a goal to reach net zero by 2040, the company is helping households make sustainable changes—one small, informed step at a time.
Pod Net Zero is a podcast series created for professionals in marketing, media, and advertising who are navigating the challenges and opportunities of achieving net-zero emissions. Through real conversations with experts and industry leaders, the podcast aims to inspire action, share best practices, and make sustainability more accessible across the creative sectors.
In its seventh episode, host Colette Henry speaks with Meadhbh Quinn, Director of Marketing at Bord Gáis Energy, about how one of Ireland’s leading utility providers is tackling the climate crisis—both internally and in partnership with customers.
“We want to lead the energy transition in Ireland,” Meadhbh said. “We want to ensure that our own organisation is net zero by 2040 and we want to enable our customers to reach net zero in their own homes by 2045.”
Quinn shared how Bord Gáis Energy is developing smart tariffs, usage trackers, and dynamic pricing tools that help customers better understand and manage their energy use—even if a full home retrofit is financially out of reach.
She likens the experience to fitness tracking:
“There’s a lot of gamification going on with solar where people almost have an app on their phone and they’re tracking it, a bit like your Fitbit.”
These digital tools, combined with smart meters, are already reshaping how consumers interact with their energy use—encouraging small behavioural changes that, over time, add up to significant environmental impact.
Utility companies like Bord Gáis Energy are increasingly being recognised not just as service providers but as key agents in the climate response. As governments set national targets for emissions reductions, energy companies are expected to lead by example—both by decarbonising their operations and by empowering consumers to do the same.
This shift reflects a broader trend across Europe, where energy firms are being tasked with providing affordable, low-carbon solutions without excluding lower-income households from the benefits of the transition.
Quinn stressed the importance of inclusivity in climate action. Not every household can afford solar panels, heat pumps, or electric vehicles.
“There’s an economical argument around how quickly you can retrofit your home. A lot of people simply do not have the means to do it. But I’d love to feel that, regardless of income, you can still move toward more energy-efficient behaviour.”
Bord Gáis Energy’s goal is to break down sustainability into small, achievable steps for all customers—ensuring the energy transition does not leave anyone behind.
A key theme of the episode is how marketers can support climate solutions—not just externally with customers, but internally through corporate responsibility.
Quinn highlights that communication, policy, and technology must work together to make sustainability feel less intimidating and more accessible.
“Our relationship with energy is changing for the better, and I suppose we very much want to be an energy ally and on that journey with customers, so that we’re helping customers navigate the complexity and make it as accessible as possible for customers.”
Pod Net Zero continues to explore how individuals and businesses can make real contributions to the net-zero journey. From media strategies to utility innovations, the series offers practical insights into decarbonising industries through collaboration and creativity.
Pod Net Zero Ireland is a podcast series for anyone working in marketing, media, or the advertising industry. It brings together inspiring conversations with professionals across these industries who are navigating their journey towards net zero. The podcast aims to spark ideas, share insights, and highlight how individuals and organisations are addressing the climate crisis through their work.
Pod Net Zero illustrates the potential of cross-sector collaboration, where marketing professionals, tech developers, policy experts, and energy providers align on shared goals.
Meadhbh Quinn’s remarks underscore the importance of holistic thinking, where communication, accessibility, policy, and innovation converge. It’s not enough to invent sustainable technologies—people must be motivated, supported, and informed to adopt them.
You can listen to the latest episode and subscribe to the full series on all major platforms or visit adnetzero.com/ad-net-zero-ireland.
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