Waterford Council climate and wellbeing initiatives shortlisted for Local Government Awards

Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in two categories of the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards.

The Business Pledge for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford has been shortlisted in the Climate Change category.

In September 2024, the local authority introduced its Business Pledge for A Cleaner, Greener Waterford.

A baseline emissions inventory of Waterford City revealed that businesses were the largest source of emissions in the city, accounting for 28% of emissions. 

In 2024 Waterford City and County Council ran an ambassador campaign to encourage businesses to sign up to the pledge and complete actions to reduce their carbon footprint over the next few years. 

Businesses were rewarded with a 9% rates discount, while the Council monitored emissions reductions.

Over 1,000 businesses have taken the pledge.

Meanwhile, in the Health and Wellbeing category, Good Grief has been shortlisted. 

Good Grief's focus is exploring the role of creativity in supporting self-soothing for adults over 18 in their second-year post-bereavement.

Good Grief seeks to understand how artistic engagement can aid emotional healing and resilience during the complex grieving process. 

The initiative uses creative expression as a tool for wellbeing and recovery in the later stages of grief.

Speaking on the shortlist, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “These projects highlight the effectiveness of collaborations between the Local Authority, business stakeholders, health and education institutions and the local community.

“From promoting and supporting ways to mitigate climate change to providing mechanisms to enrich mental health and wellbeing, these projects demonstrate that truly powerful results can be yielded when people work together.”