Businesses from banking, retail, pharmacy and travel have been announced as the four finalists of the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Business Impact Award at the Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2021.
AIB, Aldi, Boots and Earth’s Edge were shortlisted for the flagship award after a panel of 14 judges assessed a total of 83 award submissions from 43 companies.
The finalists were selected based on the cumulative impact of each of their projects shortlisted in the 14 individual categories of the Sustainable Business Impact Awards. AIB is in contention to retain the award following its win last year.
Mags Brennan, President of Chambers Ireland said:
“Our awards this year saw exceptional interest and reflect the outstanding commitment of Irish business to support communities and improve quality of life. With such a high level of competition, those shortlisted for our flagship award deserve huge credit for becoming one of our four finalists.
“This interest is also especially significant in light of the recent publication of the landmark UN report on climate change. In facing the challenges of today and the future, the report once again underlined the critical role of business in creating a more sustainable society. The good news is that business is already engaged and momentum continues to build each year.
“With that being the case, we’re confident that sustainability is on course to become a central focus of business strategy across the board regardless of size or industry. As a nation of entrepreneurs, innovators and problem-solvers, that provides us with great optimism that together we can build a better and more resilient future for all.”
Theo Cullinane, Chief Executive of BAM Ireland, the lead sponsor of the awards said:
“The importance of sustainability runs deep at BAM and we are continuously impressed by the progressive sustainable initiatives showcased at these awards each year.
“Our long-term sustainability ambition is to be a business that has an overall positive impact on society and the environment. As a long-term partner, it has been exciting to see sustainability become an increasingly important strategic focus of companies in Ireland. The business community has shown how responsive it can be and we are proud to continue to support these awards and highlight the great examples of sustainable practice it provides.
“I would like to congratulate all the companies shortlisted for the Sustainable Business Impact Awards today. To come this far demonstrates the significance of your work and the value of your leadership. It will inspire others to follow you and that is a major achievement in itself.”
The Sustainable Business Impact Awards will take place on Thursday, September 16.