Knock Basilica Named Business All-Star Renewable Project of the Year 2026

Knock Shrine’s landmark solar energy project is an All-Star success

The All-Ireland Business Foundation has conferred upon Knock Basilica the title of Business All-Star Renewable Project of the Year 2026, in association with Solar Precision, recognising a landmark renewable energy project at one of Ireland’s most significant spiritual sites.

The award recognises a pioneering solar energy installation at Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, demonstrating how heritage institutions can lead the transition to sustainable energy.

Brigid Walsh of Solar Precision and John Conroy of Knock Basilica, pictured with Kieran Ring (Deputy of the AIBF Adjudication Board) and Dr Briga Hynes (Chairperson of the AIBF Adjudication Board), celebrate as Knock Basilica receives the Business All-Star Renewable Project of the Year 2026 Award, presented in association with Solar Precision.

The honour recognises Knock Basilica’s installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at the Basilica as part of the wider “Greening Knock Shrine” climate-action programme, a sustained effort to reduce energy use and carbon emissions across the Shrine campus.

At a site that welcomes around 1 million pilgrims each year, the project demonstrates how even a building of profound heritage and spiritual significance can embrace forward-thinking sustainability without compromising its character.

The solar project was delivered in association with Solar Precision, the Kilkenny-based solar PV engineering company co-founded by Brigid Walsh.

Integrating renewable technology into a landmark building of this scale required significant technical expertise and careful planning, making the project a strong example of sustainability delivered with respect for heritage.

The All-Ireland Business Foundation recognised Knock Basilica for its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation, and for setting a powerful example of responsible energy transition.

Brigid Walsh, Director and Co-Founder of Solar Precision, said:

“We’re enormously proud to have been associated with this project at Knock Basilica. Working on a building of such significance, and helping it move toward cleaner, more sustainable energy while respecting everything it represents, is the kind of work that means the most to us. Congratulations to everyone at Knock Shrine, this recognition is theirs, and it shows what’s possible when heritage and sustainability are pursued together.”

Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board, said:

“Knock Basilica is a truly inspiring winner of Renewable Project of the Year. To take a place of such heritage and spiritual meaning and lead by example on sustainability sends a powerful message: that protecting our common home and honouring our traditions are not in conflict, but belong together. The project, delivered in association with Solar Precision, is exactly the kind of responsible, forward-looking initiative this award exists to celebrate.”

Kapil Khanna, Co-CEO of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, said:

“What makes this project exceptional is that it demonstrates how sustainability can be embraced without compromising heritage. Knock Basilica has shown that even Ireland’s most treasured institutions can play a leading role in the transition to cleaner energy. This project is a model for organisations across the country and a deserving recipient of our Renewable Project of the Year Award.”

He said:

“We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and promoting Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-in-Class Irish businesses. These are companies that merit recognition based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, more than 750 companies are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5,000 companies have participated in its programmes. The AIBF also hosts major annual events that bring its accredited community together, including the All-Ireland Entrepreneurs Summit at Croke Park and the Leaders Forum and Christmas Lunch at the Aviva Stadium, encouraging connection, collaboration and peer learning among Ireland’s leading businesses.

For more information, please visit www.aibf.ie