‘Green’ awards launched in Dun Laoghaire

THIS year’s 2014 EnviroCom Awards were officially launched by the cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Couty Council, Cllr Carrie Smyth and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber President Dr Josephine Browne last week.

The awards, which are free to enter, are open to any business irrespective of size or sector, agency or non-profit organisation operating in the county.

Organised by the chamber with support from the council, the awards have been rewarding excellence in environmental management since 2007.

Organisers have called on businesses and communities to enter the awards and showcase how they save money while keeping environmental protection on the radar.

The awards were officially launched at the offices of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, who won an EnviroCom Award in 2013 for their innovative programme to save energy, reduce operating costs and increase the reliability of their service by using renewable energy technologies and LED lights to power lighthouses and navigational buoys.

Speaking at the launch, Eoghan Lehane of the Commissioners of Irish Lights said:

“The award recognised Irish Lights’ delivery of environmentally responsible marine aids to navigation for over 20 years through the use of solar technology and new generation low powered light sources while at the same time maintaining the very high reliability required for a safety-critical marine navigation service.

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Margaret Coles, Green Business Officer with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, who sits on the judging panel, commented:

“When selecting winners for the EnviroCom Awards entries are assessed in terms of their innovation, replicability, environmental, social and economic benefits to their communities.

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Previous winners include Vodafone, JC Decaux, UCD, SpecSavers, Aidan Fitzgerald Hair Salon, Seapoint Rugby Club and the Stillorgan Village Centre.

There are 10 awards in total and they will be presented by the cathaoirleach and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore in November.

Finalists in each category receive two complimentary seats at the Awards Dinner courtesy of the five category sponsors.

There are no entry fees and applications must be received by Friday, June 27.

Further details and an application form can be found at www.dlrchamber.ie/envirocomawards