Kayleigh-Ann Myles' journey with Lawler Sustainability began with a passion for driving meaningful, measurable change in the face of today’s climate challenges. With a foundation in psychology and engineering and a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility, she saw an opportunity to impact both industries and communities. We sat down with Kayleigh-Ann in anticipation of the IPBN's 3rd annual Tourism Conference in Porto, of which her company, Lawler Sustainability, is an esteemed sponsor.

She told the IPBN, "Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to expand my role, leading ESG and Sustainability Reporting to help companies shape responsible strategies that bring environmental, social, and economic benefits. With Lawler Sustainability’s expansion into Porto, I’m excited to engage with Portugal’s vibrant tourism and business ecosystem to support this region’s journey towards sustainability, climate resilience, and innovation."

Kayleigh-Ann's skillsets are comprised of expertise in sustainable engineering, ESG strategy, and carbon management— essential skills in addressing Northern Portugal’s focus on sustainable tourism. In 2023, Porto and Northern Portugal’s tourism sector achieved the highest reputation score for brand value within Portugal, a testament to the region’s appeal and commitment to quality. However, with visitor numbers rising annually and Porto seeing an increase of over 10% in international arrivals year on year, sustainable strategies are critical to ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the expense of environmental integrity.

"My work at Lawler Sustainability involves leveraging frameworks like LEED, BREEAM, and Fitwel to help organisations reduce their carbon footprints in the built environment and meet ambitious sustainability goals for buildings. This experience is directly relevant to helping the tourism sector build responsible and resilient operations. For instance, Portugal’s national sustainability targets under the 2030 Climate and Energy Framework include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% and reaching 47% renewable energy use. Supporting tourism-related businesses to align with these goals is essential to maintaining both the region’s natural beauty and its global reputation as a sustainable destination. With distinguished speakers such as Luís Pedro Martins of the Porto and North Portugal Tourism Board and Miriam Kennedy from the Wild Atlantic Way, this conference offers a unique platform to explore impactful solutions. By supporting local businesses with science-based decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and ESG frameworks, I am committed to reinforcing Northern Portugal’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism—where the visitor experience is enhanced, and environmental stewardship is paramount," she said.

Lawler Sustainability has an established history of innovative and transformative projects, including air quality initiatives, large-scale Life Cycle Assessments, and achieving Ireland’s first Fitwel Retail certification. Presently, the company's work spans a variety of sustainability goals, from assisting large corporations with Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) decarbonisation pathways and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance to helping smaller enterprises meet the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and local climate action requirements. Each project represents their commitment to making sustainable practices accessible and impactful, regardless of business size.

In terms of case studies, the company is pioneering a series of ‘firsts’ in the green building certification landscape in Ireland and the UK, setting new benchmarks for sustainable development. Kayleigh-Ann said, "Our successful delivery of Ireland’s first Fitwel Retail certification exemplifies our commitment to fostering healthier, eco-conscious spaces. Additionally, our ESG Maturity software allows us to support clients in assessing and enhancing their ESG performance in alignment with leading frameworks, including LEED, BREEAM, and WELL. By creating measurable progress in carbon reduction and ESG targets, we are thrilled to bring this expertise to Portugal and collaborate with companies that share our vision of a sustainable future."

Overall, Lawler Sustainability's message for the IPBN is this: Sustainable development is no longer optional— it’s fundamental to the future of tourism, business, and community well-being.

Lawler Sustainability is committed to supporting businesses in Porto and Northern Portugal with tailored sustainability roadmaps and tools to make impactful, measurable change. By collaborating with local partners and drawing on the innovative spirit of this region, the company aims to help establish a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

"This conference is a powerful catalyst for meaningful partnerships, and I hope our presence reinforces our dedication to making Portugal a global leader in sustainable tourism and resilient business practices," Kayleigh-Ann added.