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2021 Sustainable Business Impact Awards Judges
ARIANA BALL, CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP, ACCENTURE
It is truly inspiring to see that, during a year that was challenging for so many, business continued to prioritise people and planet, crafting innovative ways to have a positive impact on their employees, their communities and our environment. The ambitious objectives of each organisation demonstrated how businesses in Ireland continue to deepen their commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.
Our Judges
LORRAINE CORCORAN, DIRECTOR, AFANITE LIMITED
Partnerships, impact, innovation, solutions, sustainable: these are some of the words that spring to mind when thinking about the applications for the 2021 awards. The quality of submissions was superb. The inclusion of the new category for social enterprise is an excellent and timely addition demonstrating the evolution of impactful sustainable business practice.
SABINA COTTER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DCU EDUCATIONAL TRUST
It is essential that businesses adapt to sustainable business models. It was interesting to review the Community, SME and Social Enterprise applications and understand the motivations and drivers in applications. I was especially impressed by collaborative approaches.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM, RELATIONSHIP DIRECTOR, MORGAN MCKINLEY
In a world thrown into disarray by the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is remarkable that businesses did not abandon their CSR and Sustainable Development Goal duties. It was a material challenge, but businesses rose to the challenge. Covid has reaffi rmed the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals and we must all understand where we can make a difference. We have defi nitively established Ireland as a best practice leader in this fi eld.
CLAIRE DOWNEY, CRNI EXECUTIVE, COMMUNITY RESOURCES NETWORK IRELAND
I was impressed by the signifi cant efforts being made by so many companies, often quietly in the background, to meet environmental, social and other sustainable development goals. It is so important in this critical window for climate action and social change that companies are taking these initiatives and driving innovation. These awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and inspire others to do more.
So much has changed in society and for people as a result of Covid-19 and it was inspiring to see the social and public good arising out of the sustained and ongoing partnerships between business and nonprofi t organisations. We will all rely on these markers of excellence in the challenging period ahead so it is doubly wonderful to see these awards adapt and continue.
MOIRA GRASSICK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PENINSULA IRELAND
The businesses shortlisted for this year’s Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards remind us of how important CSR is at present. To see so many businesses remain committed to issues that impact their wider community, even after the turbulent year we’ve had, should not only be commended but inspire other businesses to see that they too can make a difference.
Our Judges
SIOBHÁN HAMILTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GREEN WORKPLACES
The innovative approaches to the changing nature of workplace operations and outreach to communities was inspiring. In challenging times, these organisations continue to strive for excellence in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. The task of judging these commendable efforts was not easy but was a pleasure to undertake. Congratulations to all involved. Your recognition is well deserved.
TADHG LUCEY, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, BAM IRELAND
As we all work together to build a sustainable tomorrow, it is encouraging to see the incredibly high standard of the shortlist for the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards this year. Irish businesses are playing their part in coming up with innovative initiatives for the future and I am excited to be a part of it.
SHEILA KILLIAN, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, KEMMY BUSINESS SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
Chambers Ireland and companies that engage in the Sustainable Business Impact Awards are at the forefront of redefi ning how business can operate within society, achieving positive impact both within and outside of the boundaries of the company. The innovation showcased here is particularly important as we move past Covid-19 and these Awards provide a wonderful way to share these examples for the common good.
JEANNE MCDONAGH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE OPEN DOORS INITIATIVE
I would like to really congratulate all those who entered for providing a vast range of diverse and inclusive programmes for us to explore. It made judging extremely diffi cult in a great way. It gives hope that companies of all sizes are viewing the SDGs as a lens for all they do and really living the spirit of them in their work.
MICHELLE O’SULLIVAN, FOUNDER, CONSCIOUS COPY.IE
The breadth and diversity of the projects being undertaken, the focus on community engagement, on developing long-term social and environmental outcomes to support a more sustainable and resilient future for all, people and planet, was truly encouraging and heartening to see. Every action counts, and I commend the work of these organisations in showing leadership, and striving to do more.
MARTIN TOBIN, CEO, EUROPEAN RECYCLING PLATFORM IRELAND
This year I was looking for entries that are energetic and enthusiastic, delivering compelling stories with clear strategies. I am very impressed that most companies have continued their best practice efforts to enhance, develop and protect their local environment despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic by engaging in creative collaboration – in many cases in a virtual world.
WILLIAM WALSH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SEAI
This year’s entries demonstrated a wide variety of initiatives driven by the Sustainable Development Goals. I was particularly impressed to see a high level of awareness with regard to carbon emissions. The use of innovative solutions across multiple sectors shows a willingness to embrace new technologies and data-driven improvements. It was also great to see biodiversity being incorporated into so many of the projects.
