Ireland’s economic recovery will rely significantly on the development of new green enterprises and jobs, according to the Minister for the Environment Mr John Gormley.
Speaking at the launch of the Green Awards for 2009 the Minister said that the rapid development of environmental technologies was witnessed by the fact that close to half the jobs announced in the past six months have been “green jobs”.
The Green Awards, now a firm fixture on the business and eco calendar, aim to recognise businesses, local authorities, communities, and individual leaders for their outstanding achievements in tackling climate change. They showcase Ireland’s leading environmental champions who approach the issue of sustainability in a creative, engaging and original way.
More than 300 nominations were received for the inaugural Green Awards last year. Entries included some of the country’s most prominent business people, not-for-profit community groups, schools, and green business start-ups. The Green Awards encourage entries from those who have participated in a green project or championed a green initiative this year to submit an entry. Noting that the awards this year had two new categories that of Green Entrepreneur and Green SME, the Minister said Green entrepreneurship was key to Irish economic revival and sustainability.
The Green Awards are sponsored by the Irish Independent and Greenstar, Ireland's leading provider of environmental, waste management, and recycling services.
The closing date for this year’s entries is August 28. For more visit www.greenawards.ie
