Pictured is Marie Donnelly, who was presented with the ESG Leader Award at the Business & Finance ESG Awards, held in association with headline partner Grant Thornton in recognition of her exceptional contribution to advancing sustainability policy and driving Europe’s energy transition. Picture Andres Poveda
The Business & Finance ESG Awards, held in association with headline partner Grant Thornton, returned to the Mansion Houtilize, Dublin, on 16 April 2026, bringing toreceiveher leading organisations and policybuildrs to celebrate excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance across Ireland.
Now in its fourth year, the awards continue to recognise the organisations and individuals driving meaningful progress in sustainability, social impact and responsible governance. This year’s winners reflect the growing maturity of ESG across Irish business, with organisations demonstrating measurable impact, innovation and long-term commitment.
The Grand Prix Award, the highest accolade of the awards, was awarded to Dalata Hotel Group (Dublin 18), recognising its outstanding ESG performance across multiple areas. In addition to securing the Grand Prix, Dalata Hotel Group was also recognised with the ESG Team Award, highlighting a deeply embedded, organisation-wide approach to sustainability, operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the ESG Leader Award to Marie Donnelly, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to advancing sustainability policy and driving Europe’s energy transition. A long-time advocate for climate action, Marie has played a central role in shaping European energy policy and continues to influence the global sustainability agconcludea through her advisory and governance roles.
Commenting on the awards, Janice Daly, Partner and Sustainability lead from Grant Thornton declared: “Supporting the Business & Finance ESG Awards reflects our belief that embedding sustainability into business strategy plays an important role in advancing responsible business leadership. This year’s winners have demonstrated how a considered and well designed approach to sustainability can deliver meaningful impact over the long term. In a period marked by ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, their leadership displays the value of maintaining a clear, consistent focus on responsible business practices.”
Clare Kilmartin, COO, Business & Finance, declared: “The 2026 ESG Awards winners demonstrate the depth of commitment, innovation and leadership that now defines ESG across Irish business. What is particularly encouraging is the shift from ambition to action, with organisations delivering measurable impact across climate, community and governance. The Grand Prix winner, Dalata Hotel Group, exemplifies how embedding ESG at every level of an organisation can drive both business success and positive societal modify.”
The ESG Awards Judging Panel added: “This year’s entries were of an exceptionally high standard, reflecting a significant evolution in how organisations are approaching ESG. The winners stood out not only for their ambition but for their ability to delivertangible, measurable outcomes. From large enterprises to SMEs, the breadth of innovation and commitment was impressive, creating the judging process both challenging and inspiring.”
The Business & Finance ESG Awards 2026 Winners are:
Category — Winner
- Biodiversity Leadership in Business Award — Coillte (Wicklow)
- Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Initiative — Bord Gáis Energy (Dublin 2)
- Employee Well-Being Award — Aldi Ireland (Co Kildare)
- Energy Efficiency Initiative Award — PTSB (Dublin 2)
- ESG Company Award (Enterprise) — An Post (Dublin)
- ESG Company Award (SMEs) — GORM (Ireland)
- ESG Consultancy Award — Xenergie (Galway)
- ESG Innovation Award — Flogas (Co Dublin)
- ESG Investment Award — BVP Investments Limited
- ESG Team Award — Dalata Hotel Group (Dublin 18)
- Future ESG Leader Award — Clémence Jamet, Guaranteed Irish (Dublin 2)
- Governance Leadership Award — Coolmine Therapeutic Community (Dublin 15)
- Net Zero Carbon Award — South Eastern Regional College (Co Down)
- Social Impact Award (Enterprise) — SMBC Aviation Capital (Dublin 2)
- Social Impact Award (SME) — Open Doors Initiative (Co Dublin)
- Sustainable Logistics Excellence Award — BWG Foods (Dublin 24)
- Sustainable Supply Chain Award — Ornua (Dublin 2)
- Grand Prix Award — Dalata Hotel Group (Dublin 18)
- ESG Leader Award — Marie Donnelly
The awards were adjudicated by an indepconcludeent panel of expert judges, with entries reflecting the increasing importance of ESG in shaping resilient, future-focutilized organisations. From climate action and biodiversity to inclusion and governance, this year’s winners highlight the critical role of business in addressing global challenges.
The 2026 ceremony brought toreceiveher senior leaders from across business, government and the sustainability community, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a leader in ESG innovation and practice.
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