KPMG Recognised as One of Ireland’s Greenest Companies at Inaugural
Green Awards Ceremony

KPMG has scooped one of the top awards at Ireland’s inaugural Green Awards ceremony in the Burlington hotel on 4 December 2008. The Green Awards, sponsored by Greenstar and the Irish Independent, recognise organisations and individuals for their outstanding achievements in tackling climate change and addressing environmental issues.

Over 300 companies, organisations and communities entered the awards. KPMG was shortlisted for the Green Professional Services Award. This category was open to all accountancy, legal and management consultancy practices operating in Ireland that could demonstrate their commitment to developing sustainable business practices. The other companies shortlisted were: PwC, Building Design Partnership, Energy365, Scott Tallon Walker Architects and Seán Harrington Architects.

Terence O’Rourke, Managing Partner of KPMG, accepted the award on behalf of the firm: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have received such prestigious third party validation for our achievements in the environmental arena. Our environmental journey started off in earnest two years ago with KPMG becoming the first professional services firm to achieve Carbon Neutral status in Ireland. Since then we've seen widespread staff engagement in all our environmental efforts. Everyone at KPMG should feel justifiably proud of what we have accomplished.”

The 18 winners of the Green Awards include some of the country’s most prominent retailers, financial institutions and manufacturers as well as not-for-profit community groups, schools and green business start-ups in the energy and new technology sectors.

In a video message played at the ceremony, the Minister for the Environment John Gormley, who was in Brussels, congratulated the winners: “As you know, politicians have a huge role and responsibility in relation to the environment, but individuals can make a difference too. What you’re doing tonight is important because, without environmental activists and those in the business community, we couldn’t have the sort of momentum in relation to the green movement that we currently have. I think what’s most important is that this evening you’re acknowledging people in the business community who recognise that green technology and the environment are the way of the future. What we need now is hope in relation to the economy and I believe that hope is there when we’re talking about the environment and the opportunities that are there in relation to green technology.”

Michael Sanfey, Head of Sales & Marketing with Greenstar commented, “The high standard of entries far exceeded my expectations. There are many valuable and practical lessons to learn from the efforts of these leading companies and individuals. These companies make an important contribution to Ireland’s environment by operating more sustainably, having outstanding waste and energy management and developing technology that will encourage others to change their way of living. In some cases, they have surpassed their environmental responsibility by reaching out into the community in which they work to make a positive environmental difference. Their efforts are vital for Ireland’s green economy and its contribution towards global sustainability.”

Maeve Dineen, Business Editor of the Irish Independent said, “It has been a real honour for the Irish Independent to be so closely associated with the inaugural Green Awards. Some of Ireland's biggest employers are among the winners and they sit alongside smaller innovative businesses and community groups for whom environmental concerns are key. It’s clear that Irish business leaders have taken the challenge of climate change seriously.”

Judging each submission was a panel of experts, including Duncan Stewart, Ireland’s leading environmental architect and a presenter on RTE; and Louise Dunne, the representative of the Dublin branch of the Urban Forum on Sustainable Development.