An Taisce, the independent environmental charity, has nominated 30 individuals and organisations in its inaugural award scheme to recognise environmental excellence.
Ms Ali Hewson, a patron of the Chernobyl Children's Project, architect and television presenter Mr Duncan Stewart, AIB, Waterford City Council and the North Wall Residents Association (Dublin) were among the community groups, individuals, celebrities and businesses given awards by the body.
The charity nominated the British government for an 'award' for the the Sellafield nuclear facility, which was named the "biggest environmental threat" to Ireland.
Among the projects honoured were the Development Plan for Dublin City and the Quality of Life Plan for Waterford City. A scheme to reintroduce the Golden Eagle to Donegal and a community recycling scheme in Co Westmeath were also among the recipients.
"We have launched these awards to recognise environmental excellence, and in particular as testament to those whose service to the environment and their community - to quality of life - usually goes un-acknowledged," said Mr Michael Smith, chairman of An Taisce.
"We hope they will register as an incentive for the unsung."
An Taisce said it "felt unable" to give an award in the categories for community-based planning initiatives and best development of a village.
A panel of activists in the fields of environment and heritage, including An Taisce's chairman, selected the award winners.
Other winners included Sligo Borough Council and Gilroy McMahon Architects for the best local authority refurbishment of an historic building for their work on Sligo City Hall.
The Sligo courthouse also won an award for the best government refurbishment of an historic building.
Mr Duncan Stewart and Earth Horizon Productions were named the most effective champions of sustainable planning.
Ali Hewson was given an award for the most effective engagement of the public on an environmental issue for her "vigorous" post card campaign. Over a million Irish citizens wrote to the British prime minister, Mr Blair, during the campaign urging him to close Sellafield.
An Taisce named Senator David Norris most effective champion for building conservation.
The Killucan recycling programme in Co Westmeath was awarded the title for best community recycling initiative.
The veteran campaigner Mr Uinseann MacEoin was given a lifetime award for conservation campaigning and Mr Thomas Pakenham was recognised for championing Irish trees with an award for best promotion of forestry issues.
Mr Liamy MacNally of Mid-West Radio received an award for best media coverage of an environmental issue for his "balanced coverage" of the Corrib Gas issue.
AIB was nominated for best corporate contribution towards an environmental initiative for its People's Millennium Forests project.