The environmental landscape has been transformed since the Green Awards was launched all the way back in 2008. Instead of viewing climate change as a threat and a likely cost, it is now understood as a fantastic opportunity to radically re-imagine the way business is done. The result has seen an increase in growth and productivity, a reduction in costs and, most importantly, a positive impact on the environment in which we work and live.
And it is not just a matter of the bottom line. Environmental, social and governance, or ESG criteria are a set of standards that companies are increasingly being judged and evaluated on. The Green Awards 2021 bore witness to this commitment and dedication across the 24 prestigious awards handed out on June 17th.
The innovation and imagination demonstrated by companies was clear to see from the 100 companies who made the shortlist. The impressive winners were announced to a live, digital audience hosted on an interactive virtual ceremony, which was presided over by the broadcaster and comedian Colm O’Regan.
As ever, the event was supported by a wide range of businesses who came on board as sponsors, one of which was BearingPoint Ireland. David Lynch, a partner there, said; “We were delighted to be a sponsor at the 2021 Green Awards. Because we have such a strong focus on sustainability, we were especially impressed with the positive stories and great progress made by all of the finalists in what was a very challenging year.
“It was also great to see how well Business River adapted to the times and delivered a safe and engaging event. Congratulations to all involved and a special well done to the winners.”
Another of this year’s sponsors was Energia, and Lorna Danaher, their senior sponsorship executive, said; “We were delighted once again to be a sponsor to the Green Awards for 2021. Working closely within this sector we understand how exceptionally challenging it has been this year for everyone in so many ways. So it was great to see how the finalists came together to tell their positive stories.
“The event coordinators were well prepared and ensured the event itself adapted with the times and were able to brilliantly execute a safe and engaging event for many to enjoy. Congratulations to all involved and a special well done to the winners.”
In all, 24 trophies were handed out on the night. One of which was accepted by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, TD, who was honoured with this year’s Green Leader award.
While another of this year’s winners was Hollister Incorporated. Janet Murphy, their engineering manager, said; “Hollister Incorporated is honoured to receive the 2021 Green MedTech award. Our principles empower associates to positively impact the environment for a more sustainable future. The recognition by Green MedTech inspires us to continue our environmental journey.”
Events like this are only made possible thanks to the generosity and support of their sponsors. And the Green Awards are particularly thankful to its 2021 sponsors, which included Energia, CBRE Global Workspace Solutions, Davy Horizons, Irish Water, BearingPoint, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), BMW, Ethico and Accuvio.
The full list of the 2021 winners are:
Green Business of the Year
Winner: Gas Networks Ireland
Green Leader 2021
Recipient: Eamon Ryan T.D.
Green Large Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by Energia)
Winner: Gas Networks Ireland
Green Medium Sized Organisation of the Year
Winner: Hotel Doolin
Green Small Organisation of the Year
Winner: T&I Fitouts
Green Micro Enterprise of the Year
Winner: Palm Free (Zero Waste) Irish Soap
Green Public Sector Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by Environmental Protection Agency)
Winner: An Post
The Green Medtech Award
Winner: Hollister Incorporated
The Green Pharmaceutical Award
Winner: Bristol Myers Squibb Cruiserath Biologics
The Green Food & Beverage Award (Sponsored by BearingPoint)
Winner: Carbery Group
The Green Manufacturer Award
Winner: Viatris Little Island API
Sustainability Team of the Year (Sponsored by Ethico)
Winner: Hotel Doolin
The Green Construction Award
Winner: John Sisk & Son
The Sustainable Water Achievement Award (Sponsored by Irish Water)
Winner: Dublin City University
The Sustainable Energy Achievement Award (Sponsored by Accuvio Sustainability Software)
Winner: ABP Food Group
The Green Energy Provider Award
Winner: bright
The Green Retailer Award
Winner: IKEA Ireland
The Green Tourism & Entertainment Award
Winner: Ashford Castle Hotel & Country Estate
The Green Financial Services Award
Winner: An Post
The Excellence in Waste Management Award
Winner: ABP Food Group
The Green Professional Services Award (Sponsored by CBRE Global Workspace Solutions)
Winner: MCR Group
Green NGO of the Year
Winner: Bounce Back Recycling
The Green Technology Award (Sponsored by Davy Horizons)
Winner: Easydry
The Green Transport Award
Winner: An Post
The 2021 judges comprised of:
- Mark Bennett, director, Innovation Hub, Trinity College Dublin
- Jan Peter Bergkvist, senior sustainability advisor, Sleepwell AB, Sweden
- Dr. Ken Boyle, chair MSc Sustainable Development, TU Dublin
- Aidan Byrne, Sustainability & Utilities manager, Aviva Stadium
- Margaret Coles, Green Business officer, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
- John Cunniffe, Estate Services manager, The Bar of Ireland
- Ruaidhrí De Barra, Sustainability officer, CUH
- Michael Dodd, financial accountant & energy manager, An Garda Síochána
- David Fitzgerald, head of Responsible Sourcing Europe, Kellogg Company
- Marie-Louise Gaile, sustainability manager, Ulster University
- Joe Harford, managing director, Joe Harford & Associates
- Martina Henry, regenerative agriculture manager, Diageo
- Nick Holden, professor of Biosystems Engineering, University College Dublin
- Karen Kennedy, global sustainability senior manager, PepsiCo
- Enda Kiernan, immediate past president, Chartered Institution of Waste Management
- Prof. Frances Lucy, head of Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Technology Sligo
- Grace Maher, development officer, Irish Organic Association
- Neil Menzies, sustainability manager, Hibernia REIT
- Margaret Murphy, regional resource efficiency officer, Southern Region Waste Management Office
- Barbara-Anne Richardson, sustainability & public affairs manager, Heineken Ireland
- Padraig Ryan, director, Grant Thornton Ireland
Find out more at the Green Awards - www.greenawards.ie
