A new cross-sector survey from business sustainability network Techies Go Green has highlighted mounting financial pressure on commercial operations across Ireland, revealing that 69% of business leaders would struggle to absorb another sharp increase in energy costs.

The research, conducted independently by Censuswide among 200 business decision-makers across the island of Ireland in August 2026, found that 43% of firms have already suffered reduced profit margins as a direct result of high energy bills. In response to these sustained pressures, 76% of respondents called on the Government to introduce radical energy supports in Budget 2027.

Rising energy expenses are increasingly shaping strategic and operational decisions. According to the report, 28% of surveyed businesses have increased prices for customers to offset energy costs, with price rises more common among firms in Northern Ireland (42%) than in the Republic of Ireland (23%). Additionally, 51% of respondents reported delaying or cancelling energy-related capital investments, while 18% said higher energy costs had forced them to postpone recruitment.

Exposure to potential price volatility varied by sector. In the food and beverage industry, 89% of leaders indicated they would struggle to manage another sharp rise in energy bills, followed by 81% of respondents in healthcare and social care.

The survey also highlighted a shift in the primary motivations behind commercial sustainability initiatives. Financial return has emerged as the chief catalyst, with 65% of business leaders identifying cost savings as a primary driver for green investment, compared with 51% who cited environmental sustainability.

Commenting on the findings, Techies Go Green co-founder Michael O’Hara stated that the pressure on commercial firms is evident when seven in 10 businesses report an inability to absorb further energy shocks. He added that while companies wish to make progress on decarbonisation, decision-makers increasingly require a clear commercial return before committing capital.

In conjunction with the survey release, Techies Go Green announced the launch of its Smarter Energy Challenge, an eight-week initiative running from September to November designed to assist businesses in auditing energy usage and identifying efficiency measures.