The Vision of the Climate Champions Award Programme
We want to do our bit for those who are doing their bit. We want to celebrate the communities, businesses, farmers and schools who are taking steps to recycle, reuse, reduce energy, and protect and nourish nature.
Co Kildare, like all the counties in Ireland, has a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. We want to accompany you on this journey to 2030 by supporting and encouraging your climate and biodiversity actions. We want to identify and champion those in our Decarbonising Zone (DZ) who are leading the way and influencing others.
Eligibility
Applicants must be based in our Maynooth DZ
Application Categories: Schools. Businesses, Farms, and Community Organisations* (* We welcome applications from individuals who are affiliated to a Community Organisation)
Are You That Climate Champion?
- Have you adopted energy efficiency and/or water conservation measures?
- Are you protecting and/or promoting nature and biodiversity?
- Have you taken steps to reduce your carbon footprint?
- As a business, what plans have you implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how are you getting on with integrating national climate actions?
- As a community, school, farm or business how are you using the Circular Economy to do more with less?
What’s In It for You?
- A Tree: Your efforts have left a legacy for future generations to come and will be recognised by dedicating a tree in your honour
- An Award: You will be awarded a certificate and media pack that you can use to share your achievements with others
- Solidarity: Together we can make the changes needed to create a bright future tomorrow
Awards
The Climate Champion Awards Programme celebrates efforts at every stage, from early steps to industry-leading sustainability practices. Recipients are awarded one of three levels: Hawthorn, Silver Birch or Oak, reflecting their commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future.
- The Hawthorn Award will be given to those who are setting out on their journey to take climate and biodiversity action.
- The Silver Birch Award will be given to those who are making progress in climate and biodiversity action.
- The Oak Award will be given to those who are achieving climate and biodiversity action and who are leading the way and influencing others.
Awards will be presented at the 2025 Picnic in the Park on 15th June, in Harbour Field Park, Maynooth.
Application Process
Please complete the application form below that is appropriate to your category by 22nd May 2025.
If you would like to complete a paper application form please contact us at climateactionoffice@kildarecoco.ie