Electric Ireland’s partnership of Ireland’s Greenest Places brings to life community-driven sustainability across the country

Electric Ireland backs the people, places and communities all over Ireland that are powering sustainability.

Ireland’s Greenest Places, the national awards initiative created by The Irish Times, celebrates the same groups.

It’s why the partnership between two of Ireland’s most trusted brands works so well.

Now in its second year, Ireland’s Greenest Places’ award winners for 2026 represent some of the most effective community-driven sustainability activities in the country.

They include Treasure the Tolka, a community of volunteers which helps clear rubbish around the Tolka Valley in Blanchardstown, which won the Ireland’s Greenest Community award.

Ireland’s Greenest Suburb award went to the Rosewood Estate, in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, whose volunteers turned an overgrown field into a thriving wildflower meadow for pollinators, improving biodiversity.

The award for Ireland’s Greenest Town or Village went to Cloughjordan Community Development, for a range of work including the rewetting and nurturing of Scohaboy Bog, a Special Area of Conservation, that has been developed as an amenity for the community.

The overall winner, crowned Ireland’s Greenest Place 2026, is the village of Ardmore, Co Waterford.

The seaside village won for a range of community backed initiatives, including an active Tidy Towns group that restored a stream and bankside walk, GAA grounds that have seen the planting of trees and the creation of a pollinator garden, and the use of goats to keep furze trimmed on the area’s famous Cliff Walk.

Ardmore is also home to a proliferating number of solar panels, on homes and on community properties, such as its GAA clubhouse, community hall and schools.

Perfect partners

As a nationwide initiative Ireland’s Greenest Places is a perfect partnership for sponsor Electric Ireland, one that reflects the energy provider’s mission to empower, enable and support customers and communities on their journey towards a sustainable energy future.

“Electric Ireland sponsored Ireland’s Greenest Places for a second year because the competition is a natural fit for our brand,” explains Jillian Saunders, group sponsorship and PR manager, Electric Ireland.

“As Ireland’s largest electricity supplier, we serve customers in communities nationwide. Ireland’s Greenest Places celebrates those communities and the practical steps they are taking to become more sustainable. The awards bring Electric Ireland’s commitment to a cleaner energy future to life through real community stories.”

That supports Electric Ireland’s commitment to helping its customers make the transition to net zero in their homes and communities.

“We’re committed to helping customers move towards a cleaner energy future. We know many want to make more sustainable choices but are unsure where to begin,” she explains.

“Ireland’s Greenest Places shows how small, practical actions can make a meaningful difference in communities. This complements the support we offer customers, showing how taking that first step such as smart meter plans, solar PV and EV charging can make a real difference.”

Electric Ireland leverages its sponsorship to communicate its mission. “The sponsorship gives us a trusted, human platform to show how we can support and advise customers who want to live and work more sustainably,” says Saunders.

“Complimenting the competition’s human led entries, we’ve shown how some of our customers are making changes to their homes and business with the support of Electric Ireland.”

A huge part of the sponsorship’s power is this ability to showcase the work people are doing on this front.

“What stood out to me was the strength of community and the many ways people are taking local action. It was inspiring to see people working together and showing how small changes can build real momentum. No two communities or initiatives are the same, but they all share the passion of the people involved,” says Saunders.

Winners help inspire others to take the steps required to make the energy transition in their own lives.

“They show that change can begin with one practical step, from reducing energy use at home to joining a local sustainability initiative,” she adds.

“Seeing what others have achieved can give people confidence in their own choices. Every step counts, and together they can make a real difference.”

Authentic power

Lisa Browne, head of marketing and customer insights, Electric Ireland, was once again one of the judges of this year’s Ireland’s Greenest Places awards.

She sees enormous marketing value in Electric Ireland’s involvement. “What I like about this partnership is that it makes sustainability feel real. Across Ireland, people and communities are already taking practical steps towards a cleaner energy future in their homes, businesses, and communities, whether that’s through solar, home energy upgrades, EVs or simply using energy more efficiently,” she explains.“ Ireland’s Greenest Places gives Electric Ireland an authentic way to celebrate this progress, support people wherever they are on their journey, celebrate the efforts people are making in their towns, villages and communities and hopefully by showcasing their wonderful stories, inspire others to take the first step.”

In terms of customer insights alone, she learned a lot as a judge, including “how motivated people are when something feels tangible and local,” she explains.

“People want practical changes that make sense in their own lives. Judging the entries reminded me that people respond best when they can see clear, achievable examples and feel part of a community.”

The projects all resonated with her, with Enniscorthy Community Allotments striking a particular chord. The community environmental hub in the Wexford town is used by hundreds of people every day. It provides people of all ages and backgrounds with an opportunity to learn skills, connect with nature and grow their own produce.

“They showed what happens when a community comes together with a shared ambition, not only in terms of sustainability, but wellbeing, education and social inclusion,” says Browne.

It and all the other examples of community engagement showcased can help inspire others about what’s possible.

“The winners make the energy transition feel achievable,” she explains. “Seeing is believing and it can remove some fear around having to do everything at once - because small, visible steps make a difference.”

People and communities aren’t waiting until they can do everything at once. They are starting with what is achievable today, while having a longer-term ambition for where they want to get to.

“Electric Ireland supports customers in taking those steps by providing the technology, products and services that help. We recognise that every customer is starting from a different place and that the right next step will depend on their household, lifestyle, business needs and budget.

“Our role is to make that journey clearer and easier to navigate”, says Browne. “We are committed to supporting and empowering our customers towards an affordable and clean energy future with our suite of products and services - from smart meter plans to solar, EV charges and energy saving tips.”

Just as Ireland’s Greenest Places demonstrates the power of practical, community-led action, Electric Ireland wants to help customers take realistic steps with confidence.