Industry leaders gather for 10th Green Awards

This year’s Green Awards was a particularly important event, as it celebrated its 10 birthday, among some of the leading minds in the drive to push Ireland towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly environment.

On the 20^th of February, nominees from 23 different categories gathered in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin, to reflect on the efforts of the last 12 months. Innovators in a variety of different sectors received recognition, ranging from the likes of the transport sector, to food and retail businesses.

Given it's such a burgeoning industry, the opportunity to network and learn from others is a particularly important one for the Green Awards, and event sponsors Verde LED were very cognisant of this fact. Their operations director, Paul Martin, saya, "Verde LED were delighted to be one of the main sponsors of the Green Awards 2018. The event generated an excellent opportunity to meet our existing clients and networks with new potential clients in an ideal facility."

Another event sponsor, Sirus, similarly felt that it was the ideal chance to meet potential customers; "Sirus are very proud to be involved as a sponsor of the Green Awards. The event goes from strength to strength and helps to position Sirus in front of our target market," saya Martin Keogh, business development manager, Sirus.

The Galway Wind Park Delivery Team took home the award for ‘Green Business of the Year,’ after undertaking a huge Galway Wind Park project. The benefits of which will be felt for generations.

Their quality and environmental manager, Peter Byrne says; "Throughout planning and construction of the 169MW capacity Galway Wind Park, every effort was made by the Clients, SSE Renewables and Coillte, along with main contractor Roadbridge, to construct the project in as environmentally sensitive a manner as possible, while striving to leave a positive legacy on the communities we impacted upon. The Green Awards are a great way to showcase the fruits of these efforts, and to win the Green Business of the Year accolade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire workforce. We are truly honoured to be the recipients in 2018."

Duncan Stuart, chairman of Green Foundation Ireland, was "shocked but quietly pleased" to be named Green Leader 2018. He urged businesses to continue to support and collaborate with each other, in securing a greener future for Ireland. "I was shocked by the huge commitment made by all these influential people, who represent a wide range of businesses and state organizations, who participated in greening their activities. I acknowledge the huge effort they undertake in making their submission to the Green Awards. I believe that they - along with the 30 dedicated NGOs in the 'Irish Environmental Network' - can become the key players in shaping Ireland's sustainable future; to become a 'zero-carbon, resource-efficient, inclusive' society, in a 'just and fair, circular economy'."

He added that throughout the Green Awards’ 10 year history it has had a positive influence on sustainable development but there is still a long way to go:

“I believe, that the Green Award, over its 10 years, with its focus on rewarding exemplary ‘green' initiatives, has contributed greatly to positively shaping the Irish economy and in preparing us for the inevitable 'sustainable transformation’, which Ireland must embrace, but has clearly procrastinated on.

“The Green Awards have inspired most of Ireland's leading industries and businesses (both large and small), and has had a huge influence on the ‘greening’ of their supply chain. However, we have still a long way to go, to embed and mainstream ‘sustainability’ measures into our economy and society.”

Founder of the Green Awards, Eugene Bortolozzo, says; "It's been an amazing 10 years. When we started there was no indication that the programme would sustain itself for so long. Its endurance and growth is a testimony to the business community and government's commitment to developing the green economy. As Duncan said on the night, we've a long way to go but we're happy the awards are playing a part in getting there."