Video: Shortlist for the 2013 Yorkshire Post Environment Awards

Judges said they were impressed with the quality of this year’s entries, from businesses, community groups, individuals and schools at the forefront of the region’s green revolution.

Panel member Dr Lynne Frostick, a leading environmental scientist at University of Hull and the first winner of the prestigious Green Champion title at the inaugural awards in 2009, said there had been some tough decisions to make.

“It has been quite difficult. There have been some really interesting and diverse applications,” she said.

“We have been most impressed by those who are going above and beyond, particularly to influence the next generation in becoming environmentally aware.

“So many of the entries have engaged young people and engaged with communities, and a number have also shown great personal environmental leadership.”

Dr Frostick was joined by representatives from the Yorkshire Post and awards sponsors Yorkshire Water, Asda, Bond Dickinson, Northern Gas Networks and Banks Group in drawing up the shortlist.

The awards, now in their fifth year, aim to celebrate the very best of the environmental work being done throughout the region.

The coveted main prize of Environmental Business of the Year, sponsored by Yorkshire Water, will this year be a battle between Leeds-based small-scale wind energy company Windcrop Ltd; Park Lodge Shooting School in West Cowick, East Yorkshire; and environmental management servies provider Helistrat.

Other shortlisted entrants across 10 categories, which recognise everything from green property developments and environmental start-ups to grassroots community projects, include Bradford University and dairy giant Arla.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 12, at a glitzy dinner and awards ceremony at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds.

This year’s keynote speaker is Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey, who has previously commended Yorkshire businesses for grasping green opportunitie.

“It’s vital that we develop a secure, low carbon and affordable energy mix, for this decade and beyond,” he said.

“The award winners and nominees recognise the urgent need to go low carbon, and are putting themselves right at the forefront of the green economy.”

As well as receiving a trophy, all winners will be featured in a special Yorkshire Post supplement.

Ticket to the ceremony are now available and can be booked individually or in tables of 10.

For more information and to book, contact Yorkshire Post editor’s secretary Jayne Lownsbrough on 0113 2388432 or email [email protected]

THE SHORTLIST

• Innovation - Bradford University, Department of Estates and Facilities; Simplicity Energy Management.

• Manufacturer of the Best Green Product (sponsored by Bond Dickinson) - Brewfitt; Arla Foods.

• Community (sponsored by Banks Group) - Friends of Sandall Park; Leeds Freegle; St Chad’s Green Team.

• Climate Change - Bradford University, Department of Estates and Facilities; Tate Consulting; Wrap Up Leeds.

• Built Environment - Banks Renewables; Bradford University, Department of Estates and Facilities.

• Countryside (sponsored by Northern Gas Networks) - Mike Johnson; Studfold.

• Young People’s Award (sponsored by Asda) - Old Earth Primary School; Prince Henry’s Grammar School STEM Club; South Otterington Church of England Primary School.

• Environmental Business of the Year (sponsored by Yorkshire Water) - Helistrat Management Services; Park Lodge Shooting School; Windcrop Ltd.

• Green Champion (sponsored by the Yorkshire Post) - to be announced on the night.