Rising Star Award

This award recognises emerging leaders in Ireland who are demonstrating exceptional commitment, innovation and leadership in driving environmental sustainability and green transformation within their organisation or sector. The nominee must have amassed less than 5 years of post-grad experience in their discipline. They can be nominated by themselves or by a third party, but please ensure you have their permission to do so. Entrants are expected to demonstrate clear evidence of impact, leadership potential and measurable contributions toward sustainability objectives within their organisation or industry. Entry is by a 5-page A4 PDF submission; the judges will be looking for leadership, innovation and demonstrable impact, paying particular attention to the criteria listed below.

• Career Summary & Sustainability Journey: Provide a summary of the nominee’s career to date, including their current role, responsibilities, and professional journey within sustainability, environmental management, or green transformation. Highlight any relevant qualifications, certifications, training programmes, or professional development undertaken.
• Key Achievements & Contribution to Sustainability: Demonstrate the nominee’s key achievements and explain what makes them stand out from their peers at this stage of their career. Include examples of how they have contributed to environmental sustainability objectives, delivered measurable impact, influenced positive change, or gone above and beyond expectations within their organisation or sector.
• Innovation & Green Initiatives: Provide details of any innovative ideas, projects, or initiatives introduced or led by the nominee that have supported sustainability or environmental improvement. This may include decarbonisation initiatives, waste reduction programmes, circular economy projects, green technologies, employee engagement campaigns, or operational improvements delivering positive environmental outcomes.
• Leadership Potential & Influence: Outline how the nominee has demonstrated leadership qualities, initiative, collaboration, and a commitment to driving sustainability within their organisation or industry. Include examples of influencing stakeholders, engaging colleagues, championing sustainability initiatives, or contributing positively to organisational culture and environmental awareness.
• Impact & Measurable Outcomes: Provide evidence of the nominee’s impact, including measurable environmental, operational, or organisational outcomes where possible.
• Supporting Statements & Endorsements: Include any additional statements, testimonials, or supporting evidence that strengthen the nomination. Entrants are encouraged to include a supporting letter from a senior leader, manager, mentor, or colleague outlining why the nominee deserves recognition as a rising star in sustainability and green transformation.