At the annual SDG Business Pioneers Award ceremony in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ZIRA was named the overall winner for 2024. This prestigious award, which recognizes companies’ efforts and contributions to promoting and implementing sustainable practices, is yet another acknowledgment of ZIRA’s over 27 years of successful operations in the areas of business ethics, environmental care, and improving the work environment.
About the Award:
The award is presented as part of the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), under the patronage of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in BiH and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH.
This year, a record-breaking 360 companies expressed interest for the award, highlighting the growing interest of the private sector in contributing to sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The SDG Business Pioneers Award in BiH is more than just a recognition. It represents progress and innovation. Every year, this award puts a spotlight on outstanding companies that drive sustainable development by creating quality jobs, enhancing business practices, or minimizing their environmental impact. The application process lasted from January 1st until mid-March 2024, and the ceremony was dedicated to celebrating business successes achieved during 2023.
Award Categories:
People – The SDG Business Pioneers Award in BiH 2024 in this category is awarded to companies that inspire others in creating new, high-quality jobs due to the way they contribute to the development of value chains through collaboration with stakeholders (SDG 5, 8, 9, 10, and 16).
Resources and Environment – The SDG Business Pioneers Award in BiH 2024 in this category is awarded to companies that demonstrate a reduction in their ecological footprint through decarbonization processes and innovative production processes. It is also awarded to those with a clear vision and a continuous improvement of their value chains (SDG 5, 9, 11, 12, and 16).
In the thematic areas of “People” and “Resources and Environment,” awards were given to companies that excelled in creating quality jobs, retaining talent, or minimizing their environmental impacts.
ZIRA won the award among medium-sized enterprises under the “People” category and was also declared the Overall Winner due to its outstanding results in both categories, consistent implementation of GRI standards, and commitment to the SDGs.
- 680 training hours in average per employee, we not only educate our staff but also build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and progress. This is the most significant investment in the future is supporting education.
- Up to 30% of ZIRA Talent Academy participants secure permanent employment at ZIRA after completing the academy. Although each cycle attracts hundreds of applications, only 25+ students have the privilege of participating in this nine-week challenging program. The program held four times a year, open to all final-year IT students in BiH.
- 50% of our managerial positions are held by women, a testament to the strength and perspective women bring to the decision-making process.
- 37% of our total employees are women, a figure that we are continuously working to increase.
- 3% of our new hires were from vulnerable groups, reflecting our commitment to broadening access to IT careers, in 2023.
- 5% reduction in paper usage per employee between 2022 and 2023, with a projected upward trend.
- 49% decrease in energy consumption per employee in 2023 compared to previous years.
- An increase in recycled waste from 10% to 19% between 2022 and 2023.
- Reduction of CO2 emissions by 17% through the replacement of our vehicle fleet with hybrid eco-friendly vehicles.
- Planting 1,000 trees is our annual tradition because the environmental conservation is one of our company’s key values. In this way, we actively contribute to preserving nature and creating a greener environment for future generations.
”Sustainability is the most important and urgent issue of our time and is reflected in everything we do and leave for future generations. The future is shaped by us today, and it is our responsibility for what we leave behind. At ZIRA, we aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on our community through business ethics, environmental care, and the development of a supportive work environment."
We are aware that our business carries a responsibility towards society and the environment. In fact, the future is shaped by us today, and it is our responsibility to determine what legacy we leave behind.
That is why we at ZIRA follow the philosophy of “Nulla dies sine linea” (Not a single day without progress) by continuously creating positive change, emphasising that ZIRA people are the divers of this change and key to the company’s success.
“The SDG Business Pioneer Award confirms that everything we have been doing for over two decades through initiatives that positively impact society and the environment, as well as enhancing employee satisfaction and well-being, is done well. We are proud to be part of a global movement that recognizes and celebrates companies committed to creating positive change and a better future. I believe sustainability is the way to fulfill our duty to each other, our planet, and future generations."
This year’s winners include San Tech Medik d.o.o. (micro-enterprises), Smrčak d.o.o. (small enterprises), ZIRA d.o.o. (medium enterprises), and TT Kabeli d.o.o. (large enterprises). In the “Resources and Environment” category, the winners are Greens d.o.o. and T&E d.o.o. for micro and small enterprises, while Walter Code d.o.o. and Bosnalijek d.d. received awards in the medium and large enterprises categories. We extend our congratulations to companies for their dedication on sustainability, positive practices, and awards.
The evaluation is conducted by an independent Expert Panel. The Panel reviews all applications and independently assesses all received submissions. The evaluation results will be confirmed by the SDG2BiH programme team and the Council for Monitoring the Implementation of SDGs in BiH. The methodology for evaluating applications was developed based on the methodology of the UN Global Compact and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and adapted to the local context. The Award is organized as part of the “Translating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina into sustainable and inclusive growth (SDG2BIH)”programme.
