The second annual Glas Awards have been launched by Waterford Local Enterprise Office, promoting sustainability in Waterford.
The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council, aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business model.
Launched by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy, these awards will showcase what Waterford business is doing to adopt sustainability policies, in a practical sense.
According to Mayor Murphy, this is another step towards Waterford’s green targets.
“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,” the Mayor said.
The awards are open to small and medium-sized businesses based in Waterford County. 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. Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.
Climate Action Coordinator, Gareth Evans said that he 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.
“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,” Mr Evans said.
Gráinne Kennedy is optimistic for the future, stating: “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 is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 6th September, 2024. The Glas Awards Final will be held in Grow HQ, Waterford City on October 1st, 2024.
