Dawn Meats, the meat processor which has operations in seven locations around Ireland, has been awarded in two categories at the Green Awards 2016.
The Waterford-based processor was awarded ‘Green Large Organisation of the Year’ and the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain Achievement Award’ at the Double Tree Hilton, Dublin.
Niall Browne, Dawn Meats CEO, said that the company is delighted to have won these two prestigious awards.
“They recognise the combined efforts of hundreds of people from Dawn Meats over many years who work towards our company goal of being Europe’s most sustainable meat company.”
Dawn Meats has set itself demanding 2020 targets to reduce water and energy intensity by 40% and emission intensity by 50%.
“It is particularly rewarding to receive the sustainable supply chain achievement award after our many years of working collaboratively with our primary farmer suppliers and our customers.”
The annual event at which the best of Ireland’s green industry is recognised, was hosted by Colm O’Regan with the key note address given by the acting Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly.
Overall on the night, awards were presented to 25 progressive national organisations, leaders and teams.
Tom Hyland, Dawn Meats; David O’Flynn, Group Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Dawn Meats; and Padraig Ryan, Group Sustainability Manager, Ornua.
The company has actively promoted initiatives over several years to engage with farmers, research organisations and other interested stakeholders in supporting sustainable agriculture.
Furthermore, the company established a demonstration suckler beef farm in 2015 at Newford, Athenry.
The Newford farm aims to share best practise in grassland management, breeding, animal health and welfare which will support environmentally and commercially sustainable beef production.