AIB was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainable Business Impact Award at Chambers Ireland’s Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2020, held this afternoon as a Virtual Ceremony that participants were able to watch online.
By demonstrating CSR practices of the highest standard, while at the same time committing to implementing more sustainable business practices, AIB received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said,
“Congratulations to AIB and the winners of the fourteen Sustainable Business Impact award categories, whom we recognise for their achievements. Against the incredibly challenging circumstances we are all collectively adapting to, businesses continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in sustainable practices.
Thanks also to everyone tuning in online to view this year’s Virtual Ceremony for the Awards, which we held as a precaution to ensure everyone’s health and safety at this time.
We hope that this year’s first iteration of the Sustainable Business Impact Awards will mark a launchpad for encouraging much wider recognition and active engagement with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the SDGs, among all businesses nationally in achieving true social and business impact.
The Awards coincide with the fifth anniversary of the launch of the SDGs. The Goals themselves, which aim for deep, wide-ranging change to address inequality and build more sustainable communities worldwide are naturally ambitious, however it is through collective action and widespread cooperation across different sectors of business and society that we can strive to meet these targets over time.”
This first Awards ceremony of the Sustainable Business Impact Awards, formerly the CSR Awards, was run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, partnered with Business in the Community Ireland and kindly sponsored by BAM Ireland.
One4all sponsored the Excellence in Workplace Awards. Each winner was presented with a specially commissioned trophy designed by Waterford Crystal.
Joe O’Brien T.D., Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, said,
“I’m very pleased to support Chambers Ireland’s Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2020. These awards highlight and celebrate best practice Corporate Social Responsibility in businesses. I am delighted to see so many businesses continuing to integrate Corporate Social Responsibility into their operations.
We are fortunate in having a strong history of community involvement in Ireland and these projects demonstrate the commitment of our businesses to our communities. The principles of Corporate Social Responsibility reinforce those of my Department and improve the power of collaboration between business and community.”
Commenting on the Awards, Theo Cullinane, BAM Ireland Chief Executive said,
“Congratulations to AIB and everyone involved in the 2020 Sustainable Business Impact Awards. It is inspiring that the awards are championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These enhanced awards recognise and celebrate the innovative initiatives undertaken by Irish businesses, large and small for a sustainable future and BAM are delighted to be involved once again.”
Tomás Sercovich, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland said,
“The global pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of our society and environment and is challenging the resilience of business. As we look to build new systems, it is critical that sustainability, inclusion and transparency remain as key elements of the business models of businesses. Sustainability in 2020 has moved to the mainstream and we must all work together to ensure an inclusive and low carbon Ireland.”