Royal College of Surgeons Ireland clinches top prize at Business Energy Achievement Awards

The Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) has been crowned the overall winner at the 2024 Business Energy Achievement Awards, which took place at the Crowne Plaza, Santry, on 27th September.

The prestigious awards programme, launched in 2021, showcased exceptional corporate leadership in sustainability across the country, with 34 companies submitting 57 entries.

The awards recognised excellence across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and public services, demonstrating the widespread commitment to sustainable energy practices across Irish industry.

The strong corporate participation in the awards programme reflects the growing recognition that decarbonisation is not just an environmental imperative but a crucial factor in maintaining international competitiveness and accessing green finance initiatives.

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The judges praised RCSI for setting the bar so high this year with their “impressive efforts and even more impressive results”, noting that “no detail was left to chance and every initiative undertaken exceeded expectations”. The institution’s innovative approach demonstrated their commitment to staying ahead in sustainable energy practices.

Professor Brian Norton, who coordinated the expert judging panel, highlighted the increasing sophistication of corporate energy initiatives.

“It is clear that high-quality work in energy and sustainability is becoming mainstreamed,” he said. “The bar for awards progressively raises higher, reflecting the reality that it is now increasingly challenging to take new measures to successfully address climate change. There is no more low-hanging fruit.”

Adrian McCarthy, site FM lead for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, received the energy leader award for his remarkable contribution to corporate sustainability. Under his leadership, J&J’s Ireland operations achieved 100 per cent renewable electricity five years ahead of target and the company is currently pioneering the decarbonisation of thermal loads through onsite renewables and heat pump technology.

“I want to express my gratitude to my amazing campus Ireland energy team,” said McCarthy. “Thank you also to the Business Energy Achievement Awards judges for the recognition. I am honoured. It is great to work with people in a company that is committed to drive positive change for a healthy planet for future generations.”

Sharon Doyle, head of HR and corporate affairs at Bord na Móna, reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainable energy transformation. “Bord na Móna is proud to sponsor the 2024 Business Energy Achievement Awards, celebrating innovation and sustainability in Ireland’s energy sector,” she stated. “Our support reflects our commitment to driving clean energy solutions and recognising businesses that lead the way for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future.”

Among the evening’s multiple award winners was PRL. Denise Bartolo, head of quality, safety, health and environment, expressed her team’s enthusiasm. “PRL is thrilled to receive two awards. This achievement reflects PRL’s collective efforts and dedication of our team towards making a positive impact on the environment.”

Uisce Éireann won the energy achievement award in the public sector category. Eimear Christian, the company’s head of sustainability and innovation commented: “We are the biggest user of electricity in the public sector, and we are doing absolutely everything we can to reduce our energy use. So proud of my team who continue to aim high when it comes to safeguarding the future.”

In the SME category, Vantage Towers claimed the best energy management team award. Brian McHugh, managing director, emphasised the role of innovation in their success. “Sustainability is achieved through innovation. We are exploring the viability of harnessing both wind and solar to power individual tower sites through trials that are developing larger-scale solutions,” said McHugh.

The awards also highlighted promising initiatives in development across the country. John Prenty, chief executive of Connacht GAA, a finalist in the best energy management team - SME category, commented: “The awards ceremony was ideal to celebrate our partnership with Pinergy, which is a game changer for our clubs and communities across the province,” said Prenty.

In the retail awards category, the energy achievement award was won by Mahon Point shopping centre in Cork. Mahon Point’s sustainability strategy includes initiatives such as the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, LED lighting, and the development of an on-site groundwater well.

Brian Norton, judging coordinator for the awards, noted: “The shopping centre has set an industry-leading example of how businesses can effectively integrate green solutions.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony (which was hosted by Colm O’Regan), Kevin O’Driscoll, director of partnership programmes at Business River, emphasised the crucial role of corporate sponsors in advancing sustainability initiatives. “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our platinum sponsor Bord na Móna, Amárach Research, and our communications partner, The Irish Times.”

Business Energy Achievement Awards Judges

Brian Norton (judging coordinator), professor, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork and Technological University (TU) Dublin
Maria Alhajji, researcher, University of Limerick
James Carton, professor, Dublin City University
Michael Conlon, head of the school of electrical and electronic engineering, TU Dublin
Frances Fahy, professor, University of Galway
Ciaron King, chief executive, Digren Energy
Emmet Lagan, technical director, Lagan Energy Engineering
Ronan Purcell, founder and chief executive, Fort Energy

Business Energy Achievement Awards Winners