In search of winners in a ‘green’ world

The third annual competition will honour the best environmental work being carried out by business, schools, individuals and community groups.

Last year’s awards ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Julia Bradbury, and the 10 winners ranged from Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, which is committed to buying up and protecting an area of rainforest the size of Yorkshire, to Settle Hyrdo, a £400,000 green energy plant funded and constucted by a Dales’ community.

They were presented with their awards by Hilary Benn, then the Environment Secretary, who described the green transformation taking place across Yorkshire.

The other winners included the regional agricultural centre at Great Yorkshire Showground, which was named best environmental project costing more than £1m, and the Ragged Robin Conservation Group, which picked up the Countryside Award.

Julian Walker-Palin, head of corporate sustainability at Asda, one of the sponsors, said: “We all have a role to play in tackling environmental issues, and young people probably have some of the most innovative and creative ways of doing this. That is why we are proud to support the Yorkshire Post’s Young People’s Award.

“Asda is proud to be a local business, leading the way on environmental issues for our industry. Our region is developing a fantastic reputation as a leader in environmental technologies.”

Andy Gurnell, delivery services manager at fellow sponsor Science City York, said: “Our sponsorship of the Innovation award helps reaffirm our commitment to placing the region at the centre of the UK’s low-carbon economy.

“We wish to celebrate those businesses which display excellence in the development and deployment of environmental technologies and which continue to innovate in this important area.

“For the first time, Science City York is additionally delighted to announce that all eligible shortlisted entrants in this category will be offered the opportunity to benefit from SCY’s highly regarded Business Mentor Service.”

The master of ceremonies and keynote speaker for this year’s event will be revealed later.

The categories are:

Best Environmental Business, for firms with a world-class track record on environmental and carbon-reduction policy.

Innovation, sponsored by Science City York, for excellence in the development and deployment of new and existing environmental technologies.

Manufacturer of the best green product, for firms making products which help reduce carbon levels and make industrial processes greener.

Young People’s Award Award, sponsored by Asda, for the school, college or youth group that does most to promote environmental issues among staff, students and the community while reducing its own carbon footprint.

Built Environment: Projects over £1m, sponsored by Grant Thornton UK LLP, for developers, clients, architects and building professionals who break new ground in integrating environmental considerations.

Built Environment: Projects under £1m, sponsored by Logistik, for similarly ground-breaking projects costing less than £1m.

Countryside Award, sponsored by Northern Gas Networks, for work carried out to preserve and protect the countryside.

Green Champion, sponsored by Yorkshire Post, for the individual who does most to promote environmental measures. The winner may be someone who changed the culture of a workplace or community by persuading others to “think green”.

Community Award, sponsored by Yorkshire Water, for the best and most creative schemes to make communities greener.

Climate Change, sponsored by InterfaceFLOR, for the individual, group or business which reflects imaginative and strategic thinking in tackling or adapting to climate change. They will also consider books, papers or research works that offer solutions to climate change problems.