Aurivo Cooperative took home the top prize in the Green Manufacturer Award Category at the recent prestigious 2024 Green Awards.
The Green Manufacturer Award is open to organisations throughout the island of Ireland who demonstrate commitment, innovation, and action in managing their operations in a sustainable way.
The Green Awards recognise companies’ contribution and commitment to growing a greener future in Irish business.
The awards serve as a leading platform for sustainability intelligence, leadership, and innovation in best green practices in Ireland.
Green Manufacturer Award
The judging panel were impressed by Aurivo’s “extensive list of sustainability projects and investments”.
The judges highly commended Aurivo for its “comprehensive long-term sustainability strategy, which includes waste prevention, recycling, energy and water efficiency, sustainable transport initiatives, supplier collaboration, community engagement, employee training, and clear future commitments.”
Aurivo was also shortlisted in the Green Business of the Year Award category.
Commenting on the win, Aurivo chief executive, Donal Tierney said: “We are delighted to have won the Green Manufacturer Award at this year’s Green Awards.
“Aurivo’s roots go back to the 19th century when co-ops formed to ensure the sustainability of local farming communities.
“Today, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Aurivo, and it is fantastic to have our efforts recognised by the judges.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of Aurivo farmers and employees to a sustainable future.”
Sustainability at Aurivo
Some of Aurivo’s sustainability cchievements listed in the Green Awards Entry include:
- Introduction of 30% recycled plastic content into our Nutrias Animal Feed bags;
- Launch of the Aurivo Farm Solar Programme;
- Aurivo commitment as a business supporter of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan through the delivery of numerous pollinator action projects;
- Installation of a MVR (Mechanical Vapor Recompression) evaporator in its Dairy Ingredients site, total annual emissions reduction =2,700t CO2;
- Installation of a LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) boiler in conjunction with condensate return and pipeline lagging with the capability of biogas utilisation in Consumer Foods site;
- Solar PV installation at Balla Mart, Co. Mayo which is providing renewable electricity on site as well as exporting renewable electricity to the grid;
- Rollout of transparent caps on milk cartons;
- Switching from diesel to HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel usage for on-site vehicles at the Consumer Foods site;
- Continued development of a fleet of electric forklift trucks and upgrading of transport fleet to lower emission engines;
- Upgrading of energy efficient LED light technology in Aurivo marts;
- Fundraising from employees for a ‘Charity of the Year’, raising over €40,000 each year;
- Aurivo Sustainability Steering Groups work on developing a Sustainability Strategy.