There was a big win for Laois at the All-Ireland sustainability awards this past weekend, with Ballykilcavan Brewing Company picking up two honours.
Ballykilcavan were named Best Small Sustainable Business in the country, and also picked up the Silver Award in the Agri-Food category – where Portlaoise company Fiorbhia Farm were also shortlisted.
Held at the La Mon Hotel and Country Club in Belfast, the awards celebrated businesses and individuals who are making a lasting impact on sustainability across the island of Ireland.
The award for Best Small Business (under nine employees) recognises exceptional commitment to meaningful changes in social or environmental initiatives.
The criteria include measurable impact, innovative approaches, community engagement, and integration of sustainability into core business practices.
The judges were hugely impressed with Ballykilcavan’s overall approach to sustainability which has seen them recognised as Gold members of Bord Bia’s national Origin Green sustainability programme for the last three consecutive years.
The company has made significant savings on energy and water use, removed single use plastics, installed biodiversity features around the brewery and sponsored local teams and events.
Having added a second solar panel array, the brewery is now generating more energy than it uses over the course of the year.
Accepting the prize, Ballykilcavan co-owner David Walsh-Kemmis said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this really prestigious award.
“I’d really like to thank Joe and Niall at the farm and in the brewery who are hugely supportive of all our sustainability measures and it’s great to see their efforts rewarded.
“We are only a small company, but I’d like to think that we are making a big difference.”
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