Waterford businesses urged to showcase sustainability policies at Glas Awards

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford has launched the 2nd Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

Run in association with Waterford City and County Council, the awards, which are open to small and medium sized businesses based in Waterford, aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business model.

The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year is open to all with employees of 10 or less, while the Green SME of the Year is open to those between 11 and 50 employees.

The Mayor of Waterford, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy,  sees the Glas Awards as another step to ensure Waterford meets its green targets. “Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. Climate will be a consideration in all Council projects going forward from looking at energy efficiency to reducing waste. Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards will highlight and reward the businesses who have started to play their part," he said.

Each of the winners will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

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Gareth Evans, head of enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford, is looking forward to seeing what work has been completed in the last 12 months. "We were thrilled with the level of entries in the first year of these awards. I am sure this year we will see even more entries. The quality of projects last year was really good, so this year’s applicants have a lot to live up to, but we know it will be very competitive and even better this year," he commented.

“Companies across Waterford County continue to make an extraordinary contribution and commitment towards growing a greener future. I really hope that these awards will demonstrate to all companies what can be done to improve sustainability for all businesses in Waterford and challenge each one of us to continue on our green journey to not only benefit future generations, but to improve our businesses now and participate fully in the green economy,” he added.

Gráinne Kennedy, Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, says she is optimistic for the future. “Waterford business is taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, to make Waterford a sustainable place to work and do business. The Glas Awards is a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal for the awards is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until September 6, 2024.

The Glas Awards Final which will be held in Grow HQ, Waterford city on October 1, 2024 - click here for more information. 

PICTURE: Patrick Browne