ESG Awards 2026 Winners
Dalata Hotel Group Wins Grand Prix as Marie Donnelly Honoured with ESG Leader Award.
The Business & Finance ESG Awards, held in association with headline partner Grant Thornton, returned to the Mansion House, Dublin, on 16 April 2026, bringing together leading organisations and policymakers to celebrate excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance across Ireland.
Now in its fourth year, the awards continue to recognise the organisations and individuals driving meaningful progress in sustainability, social impact and responsible governance. This year’s winners reflect the growing maturity of ESG across Irish business, with organisations demonstrating measurable impact, innovation and long-term commitment.
The Grand Prix Award, the highest accolade of the awards, was awarded to Dalata Hotel Group (Dublin 18), recognising its outstanding ESG performance across multiple areas. In addition to securing the Grand Prix, Dalata Hotel Group was also recognised with the ESG Team Award, highlighting a deeply embedded, organisation-wide approach to sustainability, operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the ESG Leader Award to Marie Donnelly, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to advancing sustainability policy and driving Europe’s energy transition. A long-time advocate for climate action, Marie has played a central role in shaping European energy policy and continues to influence the global sustainability agenda through her advisory and governance roles.
"Today’s winners have anchored ESG as a central element of their strategic future - leading to reduced risk, better efficiency, and greater resilience, innovation, growth - thus creating tangible value for customers, investors, employees, and communities"
Commenting on the awards, Janice Daly, Partner and Sustainability lead from Grant Thornton said:
"Supporting the Business & Finance ESG Awards reflects our belief that embedding sustainability into business strategy plays an important role in advancing responsible business leadership. This year’s winners have demonstrated how a considered and well designed approach to sustainability can deliver meaningful impact over the long term. In a period marked by ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, their leadership shows the value of maintaining a clear, consistent focus on responsible business practices."
Clare Kilmartin, COO, Business & Finance, said:
“The 2026 ESG Awards winners demonstrate the depth of commitment, innovation and leadership that now defines ESG across Irish business. What is particularly encouraging is the shift from ambition to action, with organisations delivering measurable impact across climate, community and governance. The Grand Prix winner, Dalata Hotel Group, exemplifies how embedding ESG at every level of an organisation can drive both business success and positive societal change.”
The judging panel added:
“This year’s entries were of an exceptionally high standard, reflecting a significant evolution in how organisations are approaching ESG. The winners stood out not only for their ambition but for their ability to deliver tangible, measurable outcomes. From large enterprises to SMEs, the breadth of innovation and commitment was impressive, making the judging process both challenging and inspiring.”
The Business & Finance ESG Awards 2026 Winners are:
- Category — Winner
- Biodiversity Leadership in Business Award — Coillte (Wicklow)
- Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Initiative — Bord Gáis Energy (Dublin 2)
- Employee Well-Being Award — Aldi Ireland (Co Kildare)
- Energy Efficiency Initiative Award — PTSB (Dublin 2)
- ESG Company Award (Enterprise) — An Post (Dublin)
- ESG Company Award (SMEs) — GORM (Ireland)
- ESG Consultancy Award — Xenergie (Galway)
- ESG Innovation Award — Flogas (Co Dublin)
- ESG Investment Award — BVP Investments Limited
- ESG Team Award — Dalata Hotel Group (Dublin 18)
- Future ESG Leader Award — Clémence Jamet, Guaranteed Irish (Dublin 2)
- Governance Leadership Award — Coolmine Therapeutic Community (Dublin 15)
- Net Zero Carbon Award — South Eastern Regional College (Co Down)
- Social Impact Award (Enterprise) — SMBC Aviation Capital (Dublin 2)
- Social Impact Award (SME) — Open Doors Initiative (Co Dublin)
- Sustainable Logistics Excellence Award — BWG Foods (Dublin 24)
- Sustainable Supply Chain Award — Ornua (Dublin 2)
- Grand Prix Award — Dalata Hotel Group (Dublin 18)
- ESG Leader Award — Marie Donnelly
The awards were adjudicated by an independent panel of expert judges, with entries reflecting the increasing importance of ESG in shaping resilient, future-focused organisations. From climate action and biodiversity to inclusion and governance, this year’s winners highlight the critical role of business in addressing global challenges.
The 2026 ceremony brought together senior leaders from across business, government and the sustainability community, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a leader in ESG innovation and practice.
ENDS
For further information, imagery or interviews with winners, please contact: Ann-Marie Sheehan, Aspire PR & Marketing; T: +353 87 298 5569; E: annmarie@aspire-pr.com
Editors Notes
About the Business & Finance ESG Awards
The ESG Awards, part of the Business & Finance Awards Programme, honour organisations and individuals making a tangible impact in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Established in 1964, Business & Finance has long been a leader in recognising business excellence across Ireland and beyond.
About Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton is a leading multinational professional services firm in Ireland, with approximately 2,900 people in offices across the island of Ireland, Bermuda, Isle of Man and Gibraltar. Our tax, audit and advisory teams work with organisations across sectors including technology, insurance, asset management, banking, life sciences, and aviation, as well as the public sector. We deliver practical solutions to help organisations achieve their goals, while maintaining our position as a leader in sustainability through long-term value creation, ethical practices and positive social impact.
Since January 2025, Grant Thornton Ireland has been part of a multinational platform established by Grant Thornton Advisors LLC in the US. The platform offers a premier advisory and tax practice, as well as independent audit practices. With offices across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of more than 20,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton Ireland is also part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.