Celebrating excellence in sustainability

The importance of ESG principles has become increasingly evident. Sustainability stands as the paramount and most pressing issue of our era. According to EPA projections, Ireland will achieve a reduction of just 29 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to a national target of 51 per cent unless all sectors of the economy play their part and offer sustainable solutions to the way they work.

The social and governance aspects of a company’s operations can aid in the move towards a sustainable future. They assess how a company interacts with its employees, communities and broader society, and incorporates fair labour practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights and community impact. Transparency in large scale decision making, and taking proactive steps to aiding a community, augment a company’s sustainability performance and its overall impact on society and the environment.

This positions the Business & Finance ESG Awards, in partnership with Grant Thornton, as a key event in acknowledging the achievements of businesses committed to a sustainable future. This year’s ceremony highlighted 20 categories, reflecting the broad spectrum of ESG initiatives being undertaken across various sectors.

The atmosphere in the Mansion House was electric, with a host of ESG experts networking, sharing ideas and discussing the potential for a greener future.

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Tracey Carney, managing director of Business & Finance, said at the awards: “Since the inception of the ESG Awards three years ago, ESG principles have become deeply embedded within the foundations of many companies. What began as simply targets and goals has now evolved into tangible results and impacts. I am delighted to host the awards today and celebrate the companies leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.”

Spotlight on ESG leadership

Central to this year’s awards was the recognition of Adam Harris, chief executive of AsIAm, who was honoured with the ESG Leader Award for his pivotal role in promoting inclusivity and understanding for the autistic community.

Founded in 2014, AsIAm marks its 10th anniversary this year. Driven by a desire to overcome widespread misunderstanding and the barriers faced by people with autism, Harris has been instrumental in elevating autistic voices and sparking a national dialogue.

His recognition is timely, coinciding with World Autism Month. The audience listened attentively to Harris as he spoke about his experiences growing up autistic in a world hostile to his experiences.

Harris said: “I am deeply honoured to accept the ESG Award on behalf of AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity. This award comes at a special moment as we mark 10 years of impact. Our vision is a society in which every Autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. Today, AsIAm is a charity providing a wide range of supports to thousands of Autistic people and families across Ireland whilst simultaneously working in partnership with businesses, employers, public services and communities across Ireland to grow understanding and acceptance of Autistic people and break down the often invisible, accessibility barriers which deprive our community of the same chance”.

2024 ESG awards highlights

Lisa-Nicole Dunne, managing director of Mantra Strategy and returning judge, said: “We saw increasing numbers and standards across the award categories. It is encouraging to see the level of innovation being embraced by businesses of all sizes in how they govern, lead, drive change across a range of activities, initiatives, and practices.”

Among the standout winners were:

Xerotech Battery Systems claimed the grand prix award, sponsored by Grant Thornton. This was the second win of the night for the company, following its successful acquisition of the ESG innovation award, sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland.

Xerotech won the grand prix accolade for innovating in the realm of electrification. Judges were impressed by the company’s cost-effective and efficient solutions for battery electric vehicles, in particular a notable project involving electrifying an eight-ton excavator.

The “Elcavator” exhibited remarkable efficiency by utilising 80 per cent of the battery’s power for productive work when in demand. This is twice as effective as its diesel-powered tank-to-wheel ratio, which stands at 40 per cent.

The net zero carbon award was presented to Sodexo Ireland for actively pursuing realistic targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Judges noted Sodexo’s “clearly defined and significant results,” as well as its ambitious net zero targets across all elements of businesses.

Meanwhile, PTSB, winner of the diversity, equality & inclusion initiative, was celebrated for initiatives in creating a workplace that champions DEI, setting new benchmarks for corporate environments.

PTSB launched diversity and inclusion as a strategic pillar in October 2017, seeking to foster an organisation that better understands its customers, and to fight against unethical behaviour. PTSB has participated in the women in finance charter working group, and has attracted 69 different nationalities to the group since 2021.

CoolPlanet claimed the ESG company award (SMEs) for its pioneering work in industrial-scale decarbonisation. CoolPlanet has helped its customers save over 8.7 trillion kWh of energy, €400 million worth of energy savings, and 3 million tonnes of CO2.

In 2023 CoolPlanet launched a tool within CoolPlanetOS called Net Zero Glidepath, uniquely illustrating decarbonisation opportunities. It enables companies to understand which of the decarbonisation initiatives they are considering has the most meaningful impact.

Other winners included Vodafone, who won the social impact award (enterprise), sponsored by Sia Partners; TCS, winners of the energy efficiency initiative award, sponsored by Climeaction; Kate Kerrane of H&MV Engineering, who took home future ESG leader award, sponsored by SSE Airtricity.

From the winners’ circle

Reflecting on the accolade, Barry Flannery, chief executive of Xerotech, said: “Our goal is to make buying an electric battery as easy as buying a diesel engine. Having our efforts recognised by these prestigious awards is great news, but let’s use that to drive forward and continue leading the way in developing cutting-edge battery technology.”

The Business & Finance ESG Awards in partnership with Grant Thorton underscores the vital role of Irish businesses in the global movement towards sustainability. As we applaud this year’s winners, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to advance ESG principles.

Partners for the Business & Finance ESG Awards 2024 included: Grant Thornton, SSE Airtricity, Sia Partners, Ibec, Diligent, Climeaction, Musgrave, Flogas, Xenergie, Verison1, Gas Networks Ireland, Unicef Ireland, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Olytico, Aspire PR & Marketing, Onclusive, and Enterprise Ireland.