Deadline nears to enter Environment Awards

The event, now in its second year, recognises the determination of groups and individuals to protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint.

Businesses and organisations have until Thursday to put themselves forward for one of the 10 categories ahead of an awards ceremony in March. The Young People's Award category will remain open for entries until Friday, January 15.

Anyone planning to enter, however, is asked to send a short email to [email protected] as soon as possible, before completing the on-line entry form.

The deadline was extended to give people chance to enter over the Christmas period.

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.

The categories include Best Environmental Business, sponsored by CO2Sense Yorkshire, which is a best-practice award open to all business sectors, and rewarding exceptional improvements in performance specifically achieved through good environmental management.

Manufacturer of the Best Green Product, sponsored by Wetherby-based office supply firm STS, recognises the manufacturer of a product which helps to reduce carbon levels and make industrial processes greener.

The Innovation Award, sponsored by Science City York, honours excellence in the development and deployment of new and existing environmental technologies, processes and techniques.

The Community Award, sponsored by Yorkshire Water, highlights the groups across the region which working to make their community greener.

The Young People's Award, sponsored by Asda, is for the school, college or youth group that does most to promote environmental issues among staff, students and the community, as well as implementing measures to reduce its own environmental impact.

The Climate Change Award, to be presented to an individual, group or business, will reflect innovative, imaginative and strategic thinking in tackling or adapting to climate change.

The Built Environment Award for projects over 1m, sponsored by Grant Thornton, recognises developers, clients, architects and other building professionals who break new ground in integrating environmental considerations.

The Built Environment Award for projects under 1m recognises similarly ground-breaking projects at the smaller end of the scale.

The Countryside Award, sponsored by Northern Gas Networks, highlights work undertaken to preserve and protect the countryside.

The Green Champion Award, sponsored by the Yorkshire Post, is for the individual who does most to promote environmental measures.

Prizes will be presented at an awards ceremony at The Queens Hotel, Leeds, on Thursday, March 4. Entry details are on the www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/environmentawards website.