2025 Entries Now Open

The Business & Finance ESG Awards in partnership with Grant Thornton returns 10 April 2025 in The Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin.

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Awards Categories

Biodiversity Leadership in Business Award

The Biodiversity Leadership in Business Award is designed to honour companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment and contributions to biodiversity conservation. This award acknowledges organisations that integrate biodiversity considerations into their business models, showing leadership in protecting and enhancing biodiversity at local, national, or international levels.

Judging Criteria:

Conservation Efforts: Evaluating the effectiveness of initiatives to protect and enhance biodiversity.
Integration with Business Practices: Assessing how biodiversity considerations are embedded into business operations.
Innovative Approaches: Recognizing creative and impactful strategies for biodiversity conservation.
Overall Impact: Considering the broader implications of the company’s biodiversity efforts on the environment and society.

This award highlights the crucial role of businesses in biodiversity conservation, celebrating those who are leading the way in sustainable environmental practices.

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Initiative

The Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Initiative Award celebrates organisations that excel in fostering an inclusive culture and promoting diversity and equality in the workplace. This award recognises companies that have implemented effective strategies to ensure a diverse workforce, providing equal opportunities and an inclusive environment for all employees.

Judging Criteria:

Diversity Representation: Assessing the level and effectiveness of diversity within the organisation.
Equality and Inclusion Policies: Evaluating the policies and practices that promote equality and inclusivity.
Impact on Organizational Culture: Considering the influence of these initiatives on the overall workplace environment.
Innovation and Outreach: Recognizing creative approaches to enhancing diversity, equality, and inclusion.

This award underscores the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion in creating a dynamic and respectful workplace.

Employee Well-Being Award

The Employee Well-Being Award honours organisations that prioritise and excel in fostering employee well- being. This award recognises companies that create supportive, healthy work environments and implement programmes promoting physical, mental, and emotional health among their workforce.

Judging Criteria:

Well-Being Programmes and Initiatives: Evaluating the quality and range of programmes supporting employee well-being.
Workplace Environment: Assessing the conduciveness of the work environment to employee health and happiness.
Employee Engagement and Feedback: Considering employee engagement levels and feedback on well- being initiatives.
Impact on Employee Health and Productivity: Measuring the positive impact of well-being programmes on employee health and overall productivity.

This award celebrates the commitment of organisations to their employees’ well-being, recognizing their role in creating a positive and healthy workplace culture.

Energy Efficiency Initiative Award

The Energy Efficiency Initiative Award is granted to companies demonstrating significant dedication to implementing energy-efficient strategies. This award spotlights organisations that actively reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint, setting an example of environmental stewardship in business operations.

Judging Criteria:

Implementation of Energy-Saving Measures: Assessing the effectiveness of energy efficiency
Innovative Energy Solutions: Recognizing creative approaches to reducing energy
Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Evaluating the impact on minimizing carbon
Long-Term Commitment: Considering the sustainability and ongoing commitment to energy

This award celebrates organisations that are leading the way in energy efficiency, highlighting their role in promoting environmental sustainability.

ESG Company Award (Enterprise)

The ESG Company Award (Enterprise) honours large enterprises (250+ Employees) for exceptional implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. This award recognises enterprise- level companies that have demonstrated effective actions and measurable results in ESG, positively impacting stakeholders across various levels.

Judges Criteria:

Comprehensive ESG Strategies: Evaluating the depth and breadth of ESG strategies within the
Effective Implementation and Results: Assessing the impact and results of ESG
Leadership in Sustainability: Recognizing the company’s role as a leader in sustainable
Innovation and Creativity: Assessing how the company employs innovative and creative methods to address ESG challenges.

This award is designed to acknowledge large enterprises that set benchmarks in ESG practices, leading the way in sustainable and ethical business operations.

ESG Company Award (SMEs)

The ESG Company Award (SMEs) is dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (<250 Employees) that excel in implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. This award celebrates SMEs, including micro-companies and startups, that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, showing significant advancements in ESG integration within their operations. Judges Criteria:

ESG Strategy Implementation: How effectively the SME integrates ESG principles into its business
Impactful Actions: Assessment of the tangible outcomes resulting from ESG
Innovation in ESG Practices: Recognition of creative approaches to ESG
Overall ESG Contribution: Evaluating the broader influence of the SME’s ESG efforts on stakeholders and the environment.

This award aims to highlight and encourage the vital role of SMEs in driving sustainable and ethical business practices in the ESG domain.

ESG Consultancy Award

The ESG Consultancy Award honour outstanding advisory firms that excel in guiding companies towards effective Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. This accolade recognises consultancies that have demonstrated innovation, effective strategy implementation, and impactful contributions to their clients’ ESG agendas.

Judges Criteria:

Innovation in ESG Solutions: Recognizing creative and innovative approaches in ESG consultancy that drive significant changes.
Effective Strategy Implementation: Assessing the consultancy’s ability to implement ESG strategies that yield tangible results for clients.
Impact on Client ESG Performance: Evaluating how the consultancy’s guidance has positively influenced their clients’ ESG goals and practices.
Leadership and Thought Leadership: Considering the consultancy’s role in leading ESG discourse and setting benchmarks in the industry.

This category aims to spotlight and celebrate the pivotal role of consultancy firms in shaping robust ESG frameworks. This category underscores the importance of innovative, effective, and impactful ESG strategies in guiding businesses towards sustainable and ethical practices.

ESG Innovation Award (Enterprise)

The ESG Innovation Award recognises large enterprises (250+ employees) that have significantly advanced Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. This award celebrates those who have introduced novel, effective solutions that have positively impacted the ESG landscape.

Judges Criteria:

Originality: Emphasis on the uniqueness and originality of the ESG initiative or
Effectiveness: Assessment of how effectively the initiative has been implemented and the tangible results achieved.
Impact: Evaluation of the initiative’s overall impact on promoting ESG
Scalability and Replicability: Consideration of the potential for the innovation to be scaled or replicated in different contexts or industries.

This award is designed to acknowledge and encourage innovative contributions to the ESG field, highlighting projects that not only demonstrate creativity but also have a substantial and sustainable impact. This award highlights SMEs making notable strides in ESG, recognising the creativity and dedication required to drive sustainable and socially responsible growth at a foundational level.

ESG Innovation Award (SMEs)

The ESG Innovation Award (SMEs) recognises small and medium-sized enterprises (fewer than 250 employees) that have made remarkable advancements in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Celebrating impactful and pioneering efforts, this award honours SMEs that have introduced innovative and effective solutions, significantly contributing to the ESG landscape within their industry.

Judges Criteria:

Originality: Focus on the uniqueness and creativity of the ESG initiative or
Effectiveness: Assessment of how well the initiative has been implemented and the concrete results it has achieved.
Impact: Evaluation of the initiative’s contribution to promoting ESG principles within the organisation and industry.
Scalability and Replicability: Consideration of the initiative’s potential to be expanded or adapted across various contexts or sectors.

This award is designed to encourage groundbreaking contributions to ESG by SMEs, spotlighting projects that demonstrate not only ingenuity but also sustainable, long-term impact.

ESG Investment Award

The ESG Investment Award is designed to honour financial institutions, fund managers, and pension providers who excel in sustainable investment practices. This award recognises those who have successfully integrated ESG principles into their investment portfolios, demonstrating both innovation and a strong commitment to ethical investing.

Judges Criteria:

Effective ESG Integration: Evaluating how deeply ESG considerations are woven into investment
Innovative Investment Solutions: Recognizing creative and effective ESG-focused investment products and services.
Positive Impact: Assessing the tangible environmental and social impacts of
Leadership in ESG Investment: Judging the entity’s role in leading and shaping the landscape of ESG

This award emphasizes the importance of ESG factors in investment decisions, celebrating entities that lead the way in responsible and sustainable investing.

ESG Team Award

The ESG Team Award recognises outstanding collaborative teams that have achieved extraordinary results in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) projects or initiatives. This award is open to teams within organisations, cross-organizational collaborations, community groups, or other collectives prioritizing ESG considerations. It honours teams that demonstrate exceptional teamwork, innovation, and a comprehensive understanding of ESG principles, significantly contributing to sustainability in their workplace and communities.

Judges Criteria:

Team Collaboration and Diversity: Evaluating the team’s ability to work collaboratively, leveraging diverse skill sets for ESG goals.
Innovative ESG Approaches: Assessing the team’s creativity and innovation in tackling ESG
Impactful Outcomes: Measuring the tangible results and effectiveness of the team’s ESG
Communication and Engagement: Judging the team’s effectiveness in communicating and engaging around ESG topics within and outside their organisation.

This award celebrates teams that are leading the way in implementing and advancing ESG practices, highlighting the power of collective efforts in driving sustainable change.

Future ESG Leader Award

The Future ESG Leader Award is dedicated to recognising a standout professional within an organisation who is actively shaping the future of ESG. This award honours an up-and-coming individual demonstrating exceptional potential and achievements in ESG leadership. It celebrates those who exhibit innovative thinking, effective execution of impactful ESG initiatives, and the ability to motivate and influence others towards sustainability and responsibility.

Judges Criteria:

Emerging Leadership: Evaluating the candidate’s emerging leadership in driving and influencing ESG
Innovative Contributions: Assessing involvement in creative and impactful ESG
Organizational Impact: Measuring the direct contributions and effects of their ESG efforts within the
Commitment to Personal Development: Measuring their dedication to personal growth and learning in the field of ESG.

This award seeks to spotlight and nurture young talents who are actively contributing to significant ESG progress at an early stage in their careers.

Governance Leadership Award

The Governance Leadership Award celebrates organisations that set the standard in ethical management and operational transparency. This accolade is for those who excel in implementing governance frameworks that ensure accountability, integrity, and compliance within their business structures.

Judges Criteria:

Leadership and Governance Culture: Judging the impact of leadership on fostering a culture of good
Ethical Management: Upholding high ethical standards in all business
Innovation in Governance Practices: Recognizing the introduction of innovative practices in
Sustainability and Long-term Planning: Considering the organisation’s approach to sustainability and long-term strategic planning within its governance framework.

The award aims to highlight the critical role of governance in building trust and sustainability in business, recognizing organisations that not only adhere to but also elevate governance standards.

Net Zero Carbon Award

The Net Zero Carbon Award recognises organisations that have set and are actively pursuing realistic and impactful targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions. This accolade is given to those who not only establish ambitious goals but also implement innovative strategies and engage partners in their journey towards sustainability.

Judges Criteria:

Clear Carbon Reduction Strategy: Evaluation of the organisation’s long-term plan to achieve net zero
Innovative Approaches: Recognition of unique methods to reduce carbon
Engagement and Collaboration: Assessing how the organisation involves partners in its net zero
Measurable Impact: Consideration of the effectiveness and potential long-term environmental benefits of their strategies.

The Net Zero Carbon Award aims to highlight and encourage meaningful actions towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future, honouring those who lead by example in this critical global effort.

Social Impact Award

The Social Impact Award recognises organisations that have made significant contributions to addressing social issues and promoting positive change in society. This award honours those who actively engage in initiatives that create substantial and lasting impacts on communities, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices.

Judges Criteria:

Effective Social Initiatives: Assessing the reach and effectiveness of social
Community Engagement: Evaluating how the organisation involves and impacts the
Sustainability of Impact: Considering the long-term benefits and sustainability of social
Innovation in Social Projects: Recognizing creative and innovative approaches to social

This award is a testament to the power of business in driving social change, applauding those who set exemplary standards in community engagement and social impact.

Sustainable Finance Award

The Sustainable Finance Award recognises financial institutions that are at the forefront of incorporating climate change and social equity into their financial practices. This award is given to those who demonstrate a commitment to revolutionizing finance in ways that make the financial world more accessible and sustainable for future generations.

Judges Criteria:

Green Financing Initiatives: Focus on initiatives like green loans and financing projects aimed at environmental sustainability.
Responsiveness to ESG Risks: Evaluating how effectively the institution identifies and responds to ESG-related risks in its financial activities.
Sustainability-Linked Finance: Engagement in finance that incentivizes meeting environmental, social, or governance targets.
Impact and Innovation: Assessment of the innovative approaches and overall impact of these financial

The Sustainable Finance Award underscores the importance of integrating ESG considerations in finance, applauding those who lead by example in sustainable financial practices.

Sustainable Logistics Excellence Award

The Sustainable Logistics Excellence Award celebrates organisations that have implemented environmentally friendly and sustainable logistics practices. This award recognises the significant efforts in reducing carbon footprints, optimizing resource use, and innovating in eco-efficient transportation and supply chain management.

Judges Criteria:

Sustainability in Logistics: Assessing the integration of sustainable practices in logistics and
Innovation in Eco-Efficiency: Recognition of creative approaches to enhancing environmental efficiency in logistics.
Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Evaluating the effectiveness of strategies in reducing emissions and environmental impact.
Overall Impact and Scalability: Considering the broader environmental impact and the potential scalability of the logistics practices.

The Green Logistics Excellence Award highlights the crucial role of sustainable logistics in promoting environmental responsibility and acknowledges those who are pioneering in this field.

Sustainable Procurement Award

The Sustainable Procurement Award honours organisations that excel in implementing eco-friendly and ethical procurement practices. This award recognises the commitment to sustainability in the sourcing and purchasing processes, emphasizing responsible supply chain management and the promotion of green procurement standards.

Judges Criteria:

Eco-Friendly Sourcing: Evaluating the adoption of environmentally sustainable sourcing
Ethical Supplier Engagement: Assessing the commitment to ethical standards in supplier
Innovation in Procurement: Recognizing inventive approaches to sustainable
Impact and Compliance: Looking at the overall environmental impact and compliance with sustainable procurement policies.

This award showcases the importance of sustainable procurement in achieving broader ESG goals, applauding organisations that lead the way in responsible sourcing.

Special Recognition Awards

NOT OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS

ESG Leader Award

The ESG Leader Award will recognise an individual who has set an exceptional example encompassing achievements in the fullest aspect of Environmental, Social and Governance and left a lasting legacy in the area.