Nominations sought for Corporate Green Awards 2010

Save money, help the environment and gain an edge over your competitors – that’s the message from the Trust to local businesses as it launches the hunt for companies to enter its third annual Corporate Green Awards.

Businesses of all shapes and sizes are invited to enter the 2010 awards by nominating themselves or others via a simple application entry form that can be downloaded from the 2010 Corporate Green Awards Page The deadline for nominations is 5pm Friday 10th September.

Entries are free of charge and open to all companies and organisations, whether national or local, that have an office or base in Wiltshire or Swindon. The awards are sponsored by the Hills Group.

“Companies seeking cost savings that will help them ride out the recession could make a great start by reducing their waste, cutting their energy usage and managing their transport and procurement needs in a resource efficient way,” says Iain Boyd, the Trust’s Corporate Relations Officer.

“They would save money, reduce overhead costs and gain an edge over competitors; but would also help the environment and build a reputation as an environmentally responsible company – which is an increasingly powerful marketing tool.

“Taking a sustainable approach to business can reduce your carbon footprint and help slow the changes in climate that threaten so much of our wildlife,” he says.

“And it’s always good to be one step ahead of the game so compliance with future government legislation is easier and more affordable if you are already addressing the challenges,” Iain adds.

Howard Venables, a partner at Trowbridge-based Sylvester Mackett Solicitors, says: “Sylvester Mackett has used the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Green Office plan to expand and improve the green initiatives in our offices. They have been great to work with and are very practical. It is nice to work with a charity that understands the business community.”

The winners of this year’s Corporate Green Awards, will be announced on Friday 8th October 2010 at a gala dinner hosted by BBC’s It’s Not Easy Being Green presenter Dick Strawbridge at the luxury Four Pillars Cotswold Water Park Hotel.

Last year 200 business leaders attended the event. Dick says: “This is a really fantastic way for companies to be rewarded for their environmental effort. What appeals to me is that any size of type of company can enter these awards.”

"This year the Trust is introducing a new category of Award for Sustainable Progress. Iain explains: “Feedback from previous entrants has shown that they wanted the chance to showcase their continued progress, especially as they were usually running large company-wide projects. Going green doesn’t just stop with the initial set up of a project, but continues with its ongoing spread throughout the whole organisation.

“Companies tell us that after taking the first uncertain steps, they really get into seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact, taking on board staff suggestions and involvement. This award recognises all their hard work.”

The award categories for 2010 are:

• Award for Sustainable Impact on the Land - For manufacturing companies, builders, architects, property developers, housing associations, restoration companies, road and infrastructure providers, farmers, food producers, local authorities, environmental consultants, forestry companies, landscape gardeners and company grounds.
• Award for the Green Office - For those implementing the WWT Green Office Plan or any company that uses offices for its business.
• Award for Green Tourism - For tourist attractions, hotels, B&B and self-catering accommodation, holiday companies, holiday promoters, travel agents, tourist information centres and transport companies.
• Award for Climate Change Impact – For companies making the greatest reduction in their or their customers’ carbon-footprint. For all companies involved in reducing energy, waste, transport impact, alternative energy, local food and food miles.
• Green Shoots Award - For the organisation that is the most impressive newcomer to implementing environmental actions (open to all).
• Outstanding Contribution Award - For the person or organisation who has made the greatest positive impact on the environment in Wiltshire and Swindon over a sustained period (open to all).
• Award for Green Travel - For companies with their own travel schemes or companies that operate in the travel marketplace.
• Award for Sustainable Progress - For companies that have previously won or been highly recommended and have continues to implement green initiatives.

For more information contact Iain Boyd on (01380) 725670 ext 281, email iainb@wiltshirewildlife.org