From Commitment to Action
The partnership between Cosentino and Grown Forest is simple in principle, but powerful in delivery. Each year, teams from across Europe travel to Ireland as part of their annual gathering. Instead of talking about sustainability, they step directly into it.
On Grown Forest land, they plant native Irish trees by hand, together. To date, this has resulted in over 1,500 native Irish broadleaf trees being planted under what is now known as the Cosentino Forest.
Not Just Seen to Be Green
There is a growing gap between sustainability messaging and real-world action. Cosentino closes that gap. This is not a one-off initiative. It is not a photo opportunity. It is not a symbolic gesture. It is a repeat, long-term commitment to planting and growing a living ecosystem.
The teams who arrive each year are not observers. They are participants. They plant for hours, engage with the land, and understand what they are contributing to. That matters.
“Our partnership with Grown Forest reflects how we believe sustainability should be approached, through real, measurable action. Each year, our teams come together to plant native Irish trees, creating something tangible that will last for generations. It is not just an initiative, it is an experience that brings our people closer to the impact we want to have. The Cosentino Forest is something we are proud of, and we look forward to continuing to grow it in the years ahead.”
Seán Nixon – MD Cosentino Ireland
What Makes This Different: A Proven Methodology
Every tree planted within the Cosentino Forest follows the Grown Forest methodology:
• Native Irish species only
• Seed gathered in Ireland
• Grown from seed, not imported stock
• Planted within a structured biodiversity system
These are not ornamental plantings. They are future woodlands. Over time, this area will evolve into a dense, self-sustaining ecosystem supporting wildlife, soil regeneration, and carbon capture.
A Shared Experience Across Ireland and the UK
One of the most powerful aspects of this partnership is how it is built into Cosentino’s annual gathering in Ireland. Each year, teams travel from Ireland, England, and Scotland to come together, not just for business, but for something more meaningful.
Rather than creating separate sustainability events, tree planting is embedded directly into this annual meeting. It becomes part of the rhythm of how they operate. This approach reduces unnecessary travel while strengthening participation and connection across their teams.
On the ground, there is no hierarchy. Just people working side by side, planting native Irish trees that will stand long after the day is done. It shifts sustainability from something discussed in rooms to something experienced in the field.
“And over time, that shared experience becomes part of the company’s culture. It stops being a sustainability initiative and becomes part of how the business thinks, acts, and shows up.”
Neil McCabe – Founder Grown Forest
The Impact and Why This Works for Business
To date, the Cosentino Forest represents:
• 1,500+ native Irish trees
• A growing biodiversity corridor
• A permanent ecological asset on Irish soil
• A long-term contribution to climate resilience
But beyond the numbers, it represents something more important. Consistency.
Companies today are under pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility. The challenge is not in saying the right things. It is in doing the right things.
This model works because it delivers:
• Real, physical impact
• Measurable outcomes
• Employee engagement
• Authentic ESG storytelling
• Long-term environmental value
It replaces abstract commitments with visible results.
A Living Legacy and What Businesses Can Learn
The Cosentino Forest will continue to grow long after each annual visit. It will thicken, mature, and evolve into a fully functioning woodland. Every tree planted is a marker of intent, a signal that this company is willing to act, not just speak.
The lesson here is not just about planting trees. It is about how sustainability is approached. Cosentino has shown that consistency beats campaigns, participation beats observation, and real action beats reporting.
Most importantly, if you are going to do something, do it properly.
This is not the end of the story. It is ongoing. And for businesses looking to take their sustainability efforts beyond the expected, this case study offers a clear example of what that can look like.
