The Green Awards connects companies and teams from a diverse variety of business sectors to exchange ideas and celebrate achievements in sustainability.
Now in their 16th year, The Green Awards recognised initiatives positively impacting the sustainability cause at the biggest ever gathering of green leaders at the awards ceremony, where 25 trophies were awarded.
The winners were announced during a live awards ceremony held at The Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin, on February 21st, 2023. The Green Awards were hosted by author, broadcaster and comedian, Colm O’Regan and supported by an audience of over 500 people.
The Irish Times joined as communications partner with Bord na Móna as title sponsors. Platinum sponsors, Linkedin and 20FIFTY Partners, formerly known as Central Solutions, were joined by gold sponsors, Bidvest Noonan, Davy Horizons, Davy Group, Uisce Éireann, Diageo Ireland, Calor, ESB’s Smart Energy Services, CBRE, Clearstream Solutions, Veloia, Lumen Search and by supporters Amárach Research.
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Notable honourees on the night included Eddie O’Connor, recipient of the Green Leader 2023 Award, and An Post who took the Grand Prix, Green Business of the Year Award.
Darragh Blake, partner at Eversheds Sutherland said, “Being part of the Green Awards is an excellent opportunity to showcase our sustainability commitments and share ideas with others. We have put ESG and sustainability at the heart of our strategy and will be striving to return next year.”
Tom Donnellan, chief executive at Bord na Móna said, “As a climate solutions company helping to lead Ireland towards a climate neutral future, Bord na Móna were delighted to return for a second consecutive year as lead sponsor of the Green Awards 2023. All our work at Bord na Móna is focused on taking tangible action at scale and designing innovative solutions to achieve Ireland’s climate goals. There is a long way to go but these awards recognise the excellent contribution and commitment made by other companies to create a greener future, and it is very encouraging to see the great progress that has been made. We are proud to again be part of an event that highlights leadership and sustainability in green practice in Ireland.”
Another finalist was O’Flynn Medical. Their general manager, Deirdre O’Flynn, said, “Being shortlisted for a Green Award is a real boost for the team here at O’Flynn Medical. We constantly drive new and innovative solutions that meet the challenging healthcare demands of today and to be recognised alongside such super players on the shortlist is wonderful recognition of our actions.”
Joining as a sponsor was 20FIFTY Partners, whose chief executive, Ken Stockil said: “Businesses play a critical role in the transition to a sustainable future and as the design and delivery partner for some of the country’s flagship sustainability programmes, we were delighted to support the Green Awards and recognise the contribution of leading organisations while inspiring others to accelerate their own journey.”
They were joined by DGD Shredding, one of the finalists, whose managing director, Liam Garvey, said, “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners at the Green Awards 2023. It was a privilege to be part of such a spectacular occasion on our sustainability journey. Great recognition for everyone’s efforts!”
Winners BAM Ireland where represented at the Awards by executive director Alasdair Henderson who said: “BAM is delighted about our success at the Green Awards 2023 in the construction category. It’s a very positive reflection on the many people in BAM and across the shortlisted businesses who are bringing this to life every day. When it comes to addressing the climate adaption challenges faced by society, construction and infrastructure can justifiably claim to be the industry of the future.”
Another of this year’s sponsors was LinkedIn. Their workplace program manager, Eileen Slamon said, “The breadth of innovation evident from this year’s Green Awards entries reflects our own LinkedIn data which shows that green talent is on the rise. We are proud to support the awards and celebrate best practice for what will be a key driver in the economy for years to come.”
Another finalist was DAA. Kirsty Murphy Hughes, group sustainability manager said: “Sustainability is a key pillar in DAA’s strategy, with a growing focus and prominence, as legislation and stakeholder demands increase. As the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, DAA is committed to ensuring sustainability is fully embedded within our organisation.”
Winners, An Post were successful also at the Awards with their chief transformation officer, Nicola Woods, saying: “We were absolutely surprised and delighted to win the awards tonight and we are just incredibly proud on behalf of all of An Post.”
Evergreen Fields were another finalist. Speaking on behalf of the team, Aoife Smyth said, “We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Green Awards, we here at Evergreen Fields are continuing to grow a greener future in Irish businesses today. It’s great recognition of our work in reduce, reuse and recycle for the environment. It’s a great motivator to continue working towards a greener future.”
Speaking at the awards, Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes, Business River said, “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2023 sponsors and professional partners, which includes Bord na Móna, 20FIFTY Partners, formerly as Central Solutions, LinkedIn, Bidvest Noonan, Davy Horizons, Davy Group, Uisce Éireann, ESB’s Smart Energy Services, Calor, Diageo Ireland, CBRE, Clearstream Solutions, Veolia and Lumen Search. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”
The awards were judged by a distinguished panel of experts and drawn from all areas of the green community.
Full list of judges:
· Daragh Anglim, head of impact, Broadlake
· Mark Bennett, director of portal, the Trinity College Dublin Innovation Hub
· Jan Peter Bergkvist, senior sustainability advisor, Sleepwell AB, Sweden
· Dr. Declan Bogan, chief executive, Innovate2zero Horizons Ltd
· Dr. Paul Bolger, manager, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork
· John Cunniffe, director of services, G4S FM Ireland
· Ruaidhrí De Barra, sustainability officer, CUH
· Tanya Fitzgerald, enterprise liaison officer, Sustainable Futures, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork
· Joe Harford, managing director, Joe Harford & Associates
· Nick Holden, Professor of Biosystems Engineering, University College Dublin
· Ciarán Hughes, director, Ethico
· Rory Kelleher, director of sustainability, Cork Chamber
· Enda Kiernan, past president, Chartered Institution of Waste Management
· Clare Killeen, head of ESG, Applegreen
· Neil Menzies, director of sustainability, Hibernia Real Estate Group
· Anna Ozolina, project manager, Sustainable Futures, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork
· Ian O’Connor, group energy manager, John Sisk & Son
· Brian O’Kennedy, managing director, Clearstream Solutions
· Kathleen O’Regan, senior environmental advisor, Sustainability & Climate Department, Enterprise Ireland
· Lorraine Rushe, Environmental, health and safety manager, Buildings and Estates, University of Galway
· Padraig Ryan, director, Grant Thornton Ireland
· Katherine Valery, senior environmental officer, Collen Construction
Full list of winners:
Green Micro Enterprise of the Year (Sponsored by Bord na Móna)
Winner: Refillz Zero Waste
The Green Technology Award
Winner: EscoPod – ActionZero
The Green Energy Provider Award (Sponsored by LinkedIn)
Winner: Thorntons Recycling
The Excellence in Waste Management Award
Winner: ABP Food Group
The Sustainable Water Achievement Award (Sponsored by Uisce Éireann)
Winner: The Icewater Group
The Sustainable Energy Achievement Award (Sponsored by 20FIFTY Partners)
Winner: An Post
The Green Logistics and Transport Company Award
Winner: DPD Ireland
The Green Tourism and Entertainment Award
Winner: Hotel Doolin
The Green Retailer Award
Winner: Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland
The Green Professional Services Award
Winner: KPMG
The Green Pharmaceutical Award (Sponsored by Bidvest Noonan)
Winner: AbbVie in Ireland
The Green Manufacturer Award
Winner: Horizon Digital Print
The Green Food and Beverage Award (Sponsored by Calor)
Winner: Aurivo
The Green Construction Award (Sponsored by Clearstream Solutions)
Winner: BAM Ireland
The Green Construction and Infrastructure Project Award (Sponsored by Lumen Search)
Winner: Kilbride Court Housing - Coady Architects
Green Public Sector Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by LinkedIn)
Winner: Uisce Éireann
The ESG Best Performer of the Year (Sponsored by Davy Horizons, Davy Group)
Winner: An Post
Sustainability Team of the Year (Sponsored by Veolia)
Winner: Brown Thomas Arnotts
Sustainability Team of the Year – SME
Winner: Ethos Engineering
Green Small Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by 20FIFTY Partners)
Winner: The Factory
Green Medium Sized Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by 20FIFTY Partners)
Winner: Hotel Doolin
Green Large Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by CBRE)
Winner: Diageo Ireland
Green Large Organisation of the Year (1000+ Employees) (Sponsored by ESB’s Smart Energy Services)
Winner: An Post
Green Leader 2023 (Sponsored by Bord na Móna)
Recipient: Mr. Eddie O’Connor
Green Business of the Year (Sponsored by Bord na Móna)
Winner: An Post
