Professor Brian Norton will serve as one of the Judging Coordinators of the Green Awards 2026, bringing decades of leadership in sustainable energy research, policy advisory, and innovation in the built environment to this year’s judging process.

An Emeritus Professor of Solar Energy Applications at Technological University Dublin, Professor Norton is internationally recognised for his pioneering research on solar energy applications in buildings. His work has driven advances in photovoltaics, high-performance glazing, daylighting systems, and solar heating technologies, shaping how energy efficiency and renewable integration are approached across the built environment.

Beyond academia, Professor Norton serves as President of the European Sustainable Energy Innovation Alliance and Vice-President of the European Academies Science Advisory Council, contributing to evidence-based policy and strategic guidance at European level. He is also a former President of Dublin Institute of Technology and previously held senior research leadership roles as Head of Energy Research at Tyndall National Institute and Research Professor at University College Cork.

His distinguished career includes supervising more than sixty doctoral candidates, publishing highly cited research with over 15,000 citations, and receiving numerous international honours.

As Judging Coordinator, Professor Norton will bring a rigorous, evidence-led, and innovation-focused perspective to the Green Awards, which recognise organisations delivering measurable environmental progress across energy, infrastructure, and the built environment. His expertise in translating scientific research into real-world application aligns closely with the awards’ emphasis on impact, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

With shortlisted entries announced, attention now turns to the Green Awards Gala on 24 February 2026 at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, where leaders from across Ireland’s sustainability, energy, and built environment sectors will gather to celebrate excellence.

This year’s judging underscores the continued evolution of the Green Awards, highlighting the importance of scientific credibility, innovation, and leadership in accelerating Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable future.

For judging updates, category information, and event details, visit the official Green Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter.