In November, ICF member Keohane Readymix from Innishannon, Co. Cork, received a special mention award for Environmental Best Practice at the UEPG (the European Aggregates Association) Sustainable Development Awards which were held in Brussels.

At the event, UEPG celebrated its “European Rocks Stars” comprising 53 entries received from 13 countries on sustainable development in the European Aggregates Industry. Out of these 53 entries, 9 companies received a trophy and 21 companies were specially mentioned for their achievements for environment, social progress, economic contribution, communication and biodiversity.

The event welcomed around 200 participants from 20 countries including high-level representatives from the European Commission such as key-note speaker Peter Dröll, Director Prosperity in DG Research & Innovation and William Neal, Advisor of the Director for Circular Economy and Green Growth in DG Environment.

UEPG President Thilo Juchem opened the Ceremony by saying that aggregates producers too often are holding back their success stories in sustainable development. We need to show what we do, communicate on it but also learn from each other and from external expertise.

The purpose of this major UEPG event is to reward and showcase the commitment of the European Aggregates Industry to sustainable development. Moreover, it also creates opportunities to promote and disseminate good practice examples and encouraging projects that go well beyond what is required by regulators, setting new standards of excellence others could follow.

In 2017, Keohane Readymix won an award at the Irish Concrete Federation “Sustainable Quarry Awards” for outstanding achievement in the areas of Comprehensive Environmental Management and Community Engagement.

Pictured above at the recent UEPG awards are Liam Smyth Irish Concrete federation, Michael Keohane – Keohane Readymix and Paudie Keohane- Keohane Readymix.