Sustainability climbs up boardroom agenda; high entries for Green Awards 2020

The entries have opened for the Green Awards 2020, with a year-on-year 40% rise in entries forecast.

Earlier this year, the 2019 awards showcased innovation and leadership in tackling environmental issues across Irish businesses. The concern for climate change and importance of sustainability was evident across all submissions.

It is clear that major industry sectors like construction, pharmaceuticals and transport are driving green agendas up the corporate ladder.

Richard Bruton TD, Minister of Communications, Climate Action & Environment, attended the event and highlighted the significance of celebrating the efforts of green leaders: “The Green Awards recognise the innovators and early movers that will seize the greatest rewards. They are the trailblazers leading the way and I encourage all businesses to take up the challenge”.

Mace Ireland received two awards on the night and their assistant sustainability manager, Ellen McKinney, spoke to us about the achievement: “It is great to be acknowledged as a leader in Ireland’s green industry and to share this with our supply chain”.

Norman Crowley was the recipient of the Green Leader 2019 award for his successful business, Crowley Carbon, speaking on the win, he said: “My ambition and objective – and Crowley Carbon’s overriding vision- is to help cool the planet. This award is recognition that what we as a team are achieving is making a significant difference. Our efforts without customer’s partnerships will go a long way in helping Ireland reduce its carbon output”.

Mary Frances Rochford, programme manager at the Office of Environmental Stability, Environmental Protection Agency, the awards sponsor, shared her thoughts on the awards: “As Ireland accelerates its climate response, adapting to the circular economy and sustainable business models will become a critical driver of the Irish business culture. These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate environmental innovation and commitment, while also providing case-studies and inspiration for other organisations”.

Energia were also proud sponsors of the event, Cormac Mannion, their manager of energy services, reflected on their long history with the awards: “For the past few years, we have been proudly sponsoring the Green Awards. Every year the awards showcase some amazing talent within the community, which is why we love to get involved”.

Judging panel

Domestic judges:

Mark Bennett, country manager, Talent Garden
Craig Bullock, manager, Optimize
Peter Byrne, quality & environmental manager, Roadbridge
Karen Coyle, energy & environmental manager, Engineering Services, AIB
Patrick Field, director sustainability & energy, OCSC M&E
Steve Gillman, sustainability consultant
Joyce Johnston, environmental and animal welfare manager, Manor Farm
Paula Kirk, director of carbon and climate change, Arup
Paddy Lambe, sustainability and EHS specialist, ERM and TU Dublin
Grace Maher, development officer, Irish Organic Association
Dr Barry McDermott, group head of sustainability, PM Group
Dr Sarah Miller, CEO, The Rediscovery Centre
Nick Reynolds, CSR advisor, Business in the Community Ireland
Padraig Ryan, associate director, Business Consulting, Grant Thornton Ireland
Senator Grace O'Sullivan, Green Party, Civil Engagement Group, Seanad Éireann
Neil Menzies, environment & sustainability manager, Transdev

International judges:

Jan Peter Bergkvist, senior sustainability advisor, Sleepwell AB, Sweden
Laura Kearney, landscape architect and designer, Portugal
Olga Nosenko, founder & CEO Green Harmony Home, Passive House – IGUA, Leading Structural Engineer, Ukraine
Patrick McCartan, CEO, Astellae, USA

Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the Green Awards 2020, for more information click here.

The full list of winners and 2019 shortlist is available below.

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