Winners Announced for the Business & Finance ESG Awards 2024

The Business & Finance ESG Awards in collaboration with Grant Thornton, celebrates the accomplishments of Irish businesses committed to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) excellence at a prestigious gala lunch held at the Mansion House, Dublin today. 

Now in its third year, the Business & Finance ESG Awards continues to grow, reflecting the escalating significance of ESG practices in shaping sustainable business strategies. The awards serve as a platform for companies to showcase their commitment to ESG principles and to contribute visibly to a greener future. 

Congratulating the winners, Grant Thornton Ireland Partner & Head of Consulting Amanda Ward said: “The European Environment Agency most recent climate risk assessment highlights the major challenges we face as a society as a result of climate change. Today’s winners embody the leadership and innovation required in order to deliver a better, greener tomorrow alongside a just transition. These champions of sustainability, led by Xerotech Battery Systems, highlight how the challenges we currently face can also be seen as an opportunity and will serve as an inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.”

The awards recognises standout winners across 20 categories, each reflecting the diverse and evolving landscape of ESG initiatives in Ireland. 

Top Honours were awarded to:

Grand Prix Award: Xerotech Battery Systems emerged victorious for their ground-breaking innovations in electrification, offering cost-effective and efficient solutions for battery electric vehicles.

Net Zero Carbon Award: Sodexo Ireland received this accolade for their ‘clearly defined and significant results’ and ambitious targets.

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Initiative Award: Permanent TSB (PTSB) was celebrated for pioneering initiatives that foster a workplace environment championing DEI, setting new benchmarks in corporate inclusivity.

ESG Leader Award: Adam Harris, CEO of ASIAM, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, was recognised for his impactful work in promoting inclusivity and understanding for the autistic community. His recognition coincides with World Autism Month, providing a timely moment to celebrate his influential contributions. 

Tracey Carney, Managing Director, Business & Finance, emphasised the increasing importance of ESG principles stating, “ESG principles have become not just a framework but a cornerstone for sustainable business strategies across Ireland. The Business & Finance ESG Awards stand as a pivotal event, spotlighting and celebrating the visionary companies leading this charge. As we navigate the urgent challenges of our era, from climate change to social equity, its crucial for businesses to integrate ESG considerations into their core strategies. This positions the Business & Finance ESG Awards as a key platform not only for acknowledging outstanding achievements but also for inspiring and catalysing broader industry commitment to a sustainable and equitable future. We are proud to recognise and honour the dedication, innovation, and transformative impact of all our winners and nominees. 

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The Business & Finance ESG 2024 Winners are;

Net Zero Carbon Award: Sodexo Ireland
In partnership with Diligent

ESG Innovation Award: Xerotech Battery Systems
In partnership with Gas Networks Ireland

Sustainable Procurement Award: An Post

Green Logistics Excellence Award: DPD

Biodiversity Leadership in Business Award: Wildacres

ESG Investment Award: Amundi

Future ESG Leader Award: Kate Kerrane, H&MV Engineering
In partnership with SSE Airtricity

Social Impact Award (Enterprise): Vodafone
In partnership with Sia Partners

Social Impact Award (SME): Speedpak Group
In partnership with Enterprise Ireland

Employee Well-Being Award: Core

ESG Leader Award: Adam Harris
In partnership with Grant Thornton

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Initiative: PTSB

Governance Best Practice Award: Coolmine Therapeutic Community
In partnership with Xenergie

ESG Finance Award: Strikepay
In partnership with Ibec

Energy Efficiency Initiative Award: TCS
In partnership with Climeaction

ESG Team Award: Coillte
In partnership with Musgrave

ESG Consultancy Award: Sustainability Works

ESG Company Award (SME): CoolPlanet

ESG Company Award (Enterprise): DAA
In partnership with Flogas Enterprise Solutions

Grand Prix Award: Xerotech Battery Systems
In partnership with Grant Thornton

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The awards witnessed a remarkable surge in participation this year, with a record number of entries showcasing the growing commitment of Irish businesses to environmental, social and governance initiatives. The high calibre of submissions reflecting the increasing importance and integration of ESG principles within the corporate landscape. 

Judge, Lisa-Nicole Dunne – Managing Director, Mantra Strategy said of the entries, “It was great to be involved again as a judge in the Business & Finance ESG Awards. This year, 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.”

The Business & Finance ESG Awards 2024 was made possible with the support of partners including; Grant Thornton, SSE Airtricity, Sia Partners, Ibec, Diligent, Climeaction, Musgrave, Flogas, Xenergie, Version1, Gas Networks Ireland, Unicef Ireland, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Olytico, Aspire PR & Marketing, Onclusive, and Enterprise Ireland.