Magherafelt-based company shortlisted for prestigious All-Ireland Sustainability Award
Magherafelt-based Heron Brothers Ltd have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, which has been heralded as the awards’ biggest year yet with 178 entries overall and over 90 shortlisted submissions.
The County Derry firm was announced as a shortlisted entry in the category of ‘Energy Project of the Year’ at a recent session including judges from across Ireland’s leading sustainability authorities, academic institutions, and leading businesses who have embraced sustainability and flown the flag for best practice to announce the shortlist.
Organisations acknowledged in the shortlist span the length and breadth of Ireland geographically and sectors including large-scale and artisan manufacturing, construction, academic institutions, tourism and entertainment venues and attractions, energy suppliers, conservation organisations, and beyond, highlighting the diversity of sustainable initiatives and tactics being taken by organisations across Ireland.
Now in its 5th year, All-Ireland Sustainability will be supported this year by headline sponsor Cushon and take place on October 1 at Belfast’s Europa Hotel as part of the all-day Festival of Sustainable Impact. Shortlisted entrants from across the Island of Ireland are expected to come together for the evening gala awards event to celebrate the milestones, innovations, campaigns and sustainability champions who have progressed sustainability in Irish businesses over the past year.
Commenting on the calibre of this year’s entrants, Danielle McCormick, Founder, All-Ireland Sustainability / Triterra said: “We are delighted to announce this year’s shortlist for the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards. From rural community organisations to multi-national corporations operating in our largest cities, this year’s entries truly reflect the diversity of organisations who continue to embrace sustainable principles and incorporate these into their daily operations.
“Judges this year were inspired by the creative and innovative approaches taken to sustainability as well as how embedded sustainable practices have become for organisations of all sizes, highlighting the evolution of sustainability beyond a ‘tick-box’ exercise and the wide-spread embracing of sustainable practices for future-focused, efficient organisations and business resilience.”
Supporting the event for the first time this year is workplace pensions and savings provider Cushon.
Following the judges meeting in early September, Jenda McSwiggan, Head of Growth Operations, NI, Cushon, commented on the exceptional level of entries this year.
“It has been a real privilege to be part of such an experienced and knowledgeable judging panel. The standard of entries has been incredibly high, with so many businesses showing genuine commitment to sustainability and taking practical steps to make a positive difference.”
Looking forward to October’s Festival of Sustainable Impact Jenda added: “Cushon is delighted to support the Festival of Sustainable Impact, an event that brings together organisations committed to creating a more sustainable future. We believe long-term thinking, responsible investment and positive social impact all play a vital role in building better futures for people, businesses and communities. We’re excited to be a part of the collaboration and celebration which will take place throughout the festival.”
Centred around the theme “Smarter Business Through Sustainability,” the event will feature a carefully curated, cross-sector agenda and line-up and will combine the All-Ireland Sustainability Summit during the day and Sustainability Awards in the evening to host a day-long celebration of sustainable impact. The agenda will explore how organisations can use sustainability as a practical tool to reduce costs, create long-term value, support people, strengthen resilience and improve overall business performance.