But here in Yorkshire scores of forward-thinking businesses, individuals, schools, community and youth groups are already striving to be at the forefront of the green revolution.

Today the Yorkshire Post aims to celebrate these environmental champions through the launch of its 2010 Environment Awards, with entrants from across the region invited to compete in 10 categories ahead of an awards ceremony next year.

Yorkshire Post editor Peter Charlton said: "The environment awards reflect the innovative, imaginative and sustainable practices being adopted by companies, community groups and individuals in our region.

"Even in these difficult times, it is heartening to see how much work and investment is being put into enterprises which are not only looking to today but have their eyes on the future. Yorkshire has a burgeoning high-tech sector and is in the vanguard of green technologies, which point the way forwards."

The awards' lead sponsor is CO2Sense Yorkshire, a subsidiary of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward which aims to help businesses prosper in a low carbon economy.

Chief executive Joanne Pollard said: "CO2Sense Yorkshire is delighted to sponsor the Yorkshire Post Environment Awards for the second year running.

"CO2Sense Yorkshire works with hundreds of businesses who are working hard to reduce their CO2 emissions – and reduce costs at the same time. These awards help raise awareness of all this great work, and inspire other businesses and, dare I say, regions to follow their lead."

Gas distribution firm Northern Gas Networks is sponsoring the Countryside Award. Dave Hutchison, head of health, safety and environment, said: "Environmental sustainability is very high on our business agenda. Northern Gas Networks is proud to continue our support for this wonderful initiative."

Science City York, which works to bring investment in science and technology industries to the city, is sponsoring the award for innovation.

Delivery services manager Andy Gurnell said: "Science City York is fully committed to placing York and the Yorkshire region at the centre of the UK's future low-carbon economy. It is important to raise the profile of regional businesses engaged in the environmental technologies sector, and sponsorship of these awards helps achieve this."

Wetherby-based office supply firm STS, which has developed its own 'R' series brand of recycled equipment, is sponsoring the award for best green product. Chief executive Peter Langstaff said: "Emissions from the manufacture, supply and usage of new office equipment print products can make up a large part of a company's carbon footprint."

Chartered accountancy firm Grant Thornton is sponsoring one of the built environment awards, and Mark Burke, partner at the firm's Leeds office, said: "We're committed to continually improving and promoting sound environmental practice."

The Young People's Award is sponsored by supermarket chain Asda. "We are extremely passionate about green issues," a spokeswoman said. "Our head of sustainability even blogs about a wide range of environmental topics at aislespyblog.com."

Yorkshire Water said it was "delighted" to sponsor the Community Award.

A spokesman said: "We're committed to making a difference – not least through our award-winning One Million Green Fingers initiative, which has seen company volunteers cultivate sustainable gardens in primary schools."

Enter the 2010 Yorkshire Post Environment Awards now. Hurry - the deadline for most categories is January 7, 2010 »