Glas Awards Launched

Glas Awards Launched! 

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 day to day business activities.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, 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. 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.

The mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green targets, “The link between the Council and business in Waterford is so important. Last year, following a call by Waterford City and County Council, over 1,000 local businesses signed up to a Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford.

“The scheme, originally launched in 2022, has supported thousands of businesses across the city and county in transitioning to carbon neutrality by identifying opportunities for reducing energy usage and costs, exploring the potential of renewable energy while availing of a discount on their commercial rates. “These awards are another opportunity to reward businesses for their climate actions.” Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford explains how these awards are just one element to their Green offering, “We find small changes can really make a big impact. Our clients understand the growing importance of sustainability, both in business and in the world around us. What we show them through our ‘Green for Business’ initiative is an understanding of the significant benefits that it can have for a business, on everything from efficiencies to cost savings.

“Green for Business is a FREE programme that helps small businesses take the first step towards becoming more sustainable, giving them access to a green consultant who’ll show them the small changes that can have a big impact on both their company.”

Gráinne Kennedy, Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, is optimistic for the future, “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.

“Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the Council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. 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 are a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal https://submit.link/3WK is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 4th September 2025. The Glas Awards Final will be held in The Garden Room, Waterford Treasures on 8th October 2025 from 12.30 to 2.30pm.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie