According to the Corkman, the awards were funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and Cork county council and highlighted the green achievements of organisations in the locality.

O’Donovan’s steel fabrication and engineering group was acknowledged for its enhanced energy management and waste segregation strategies, while Quinlan’s gift shop was praised for its use of recycled packaging and low energy light bulbs.

An exhibition entitled Greening the Lee Valley was held in conjunction with the event, at which minister for education Batt O’Keefe commented on the initiative.

She said: “Sustainability is now an issue for all sectors of the economy, not least the business sector.

“As we face more challenging economic conditions, it makes more sense than ever for businesses to review their operations in an environmental context.”

The Cork Environmental Forum recently held an Energy Savings Open Night, at which a gathering of renewable energy experts exhibited their work, from solar panelling to pellet boilers.

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