A responsible approach to business is no longer just a matter of prestige – it’s a competitive advantage. Consumers, investors and partners increasingly prefer companies that are environmentally friendly, socially just and fair. In Košice IT Valley we perceive that many companies in Eastern Slovakia are taking exceptional actions and steps in these areas and therefore we have decided to announce ESG Awards, which aims not only to reward, but mainly to motivate others and together to move forward to a better life in our region. The ESG Awards aim to promote solutions to specific regional and global challenges such as pollution, waste management, climate change, social inequality and the promotion of a circular economy.
Aim of the awards:
To support and reward companies and individuals operating in Eastern Slovakia who actively implement ESG principles in their business and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Organiser: Košice IT Valley z.p.o.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
The awards are intended for companies with headquarters or branch offices in the Košice and Prešov regions and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contribution in the field of ESG in Eastern Slovakia.
Categories
ESG Awards – Small / Medium Business
For companies that meet at least two of the three criteria:
– turnover ≤ EUR 50 million,
– assets ≤ EUR 25 million,
– number of employees ≤ 250.
These companies are recognised for their significant ESG performance, particularly in the areas of eco-innovation, positive community impact and transparent governance.
ESG Awards – large company
For companies that meet at least two of the three criteria:
– turnover > EUR 50 million,
– assets > EUR 25 million,
– number of employees > 250.
The award is intended for companies that demonstrate high standards in the ESG area.
ESG Awards – Individuals
Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of ESG approaches in their company or community and whose activities go beyond the community or regional level.
Evaluation criteria
Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
- Quantitative impact (30%):
- Measurable results in terms of reduced emissions, energy consumption, waste, increased share of renewables, employee diversity, etc.
- Innovation: the introduction of new technologies or processes with an emphasis on originality and scalability.
- Evidence: provision of relevant data, reports or analyses.
- Long-term sustainability (30%):
- Strategic integration of ESG into business.
- Employee Engagement: Employee engagement and its impact on corporate culture.
- Social added value (30%):
- Community benefit: Supporting local communities, volunteering, sponsorship.
- Global impact: contributing to global challenges.
- General information (10%):
- Quality of application, ESG rating,
- Reporting period: 2023 and 2024 or both.
- General information (for ESG personality)
- Scope and impact of activities: projects going beyond the corporate level.
- Inspirational value: personal story and ability to inspire others.
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Period: 17 March 2025 – 30 April 2025
Application forms:
Documents required:
- basic information about the company,
- a description of ESG activities in the period 2023 and 2024,
- quantitative data on the achievement of results,
- references, certificates,
- Consent to the processing of personal data (GDPR).
Evaluation Commission
Composition: representatives of Košice IT Valley, academia, PwC and other institutions.
ESG expertise, independence, representativeness of the region.
Evaluation and announcement of results
Evaluation process: independent evaluation of applications, discussion by the committee.
Announcement of the results: 12 June 2025 at a ceremony (venue to be determined and announced closer to the date).
Awards
Prize: a unique prize made by the School of Art Industry.
Award ceremony: 12 June 2025.
Final provisions
Copyright: The materials become the property of the organizer.
Privacy Policy.
Changes to the rules: the organiser reserves the right to change the rules.
Dispute resolution: in case of disputes, the organiser’s decision is decisive.
Marketing and communication: the following channels will be used to promote the awards:
- Social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
- Press releases for regional and national media
- Direct email communication with potential participantsCooperation with regional media and portals
- Promotion at events organized by Košice IT Valley and partners
In case of any discrepancy between the Slovak version and the English translation, the Slovak version of the rules shall prevail.
