Environment and Sustainability Award
May Gurney's Ian Findlater talks about what he's looking for in candidates for the Environment and Sustainability Award.
Deepdale Farm
Group Lotus plc.
Entries for the Environment and Sustainability Award come from a wide range of industries and services, reflecting the environmental well-being of the region. In the past, entries have ranged from relatively new companies employing a few people, to established companies employing several hundred staff. The economics of good business co-exist with care for the environment and sustainable best practice. The judges are looking for organisations which are conscious of the sustainability agenda and the environmental impacts of business, and have already done something to improve their performance. It can be organisations which are directly involved in the environmental field or carry out processes to minimise impact. Whatever the case, it is important to produce evidence so that the judges can measure how a particular company performs in improving the environment or impacting on it. There should therefore be a structured policy and culture within any company with clear environmental and sustainability objectives.
2009 Winner
Anglian Water - Andrew Mackintosh, head of group communications:- "We are delighted to receive this award which recognises our commitment to safeguarding the environment and serving the local community in East Anglia. We are determined to lead by example and would like to thank the many people and organisations who work with us across the region for their help and support."2009 Finalists
Anglian WaterWorking with more than five million customers, Anglian Water has achieved per capita reductions in water and energy use on an impressive scale. The judges were impressed that the top level commitment to the climate change agenda is reflected throughout every tier of the company. Staff have worked effectively with schools and communities to raise awareness of the need to save water and protect the environment, and AW has taken great care to maintain and improve the ecosystems it operates in, protecting rare species and habitats. The company uses its buying power to ensure suppliers match its credentials, resulting in a major positive impact on the environment and reduced carbon generation.
Hain Frozen Foods
Excellent management has driven a revolution in both environmental and business performance at the Hain factory in Fakenham, which produces vegetarian food under labels including the Linda McCartney brand. All steps of production have been scrutinised and are constantly monitored and reviewed to identify ways to improve efficiency. Close attention to detail and bold changes to shift patterns are among many measures that have led to falling energy consumption and dramatic cuts in waste. External experts have been brought in to offer advice, and staff at all levels are committed to environmental aims. While still in their early stages, proposals are being considered to use food waste to produce power through anaerobic digestion.
Polyprint Mailing Films
Polyprint, which produces printed polythene packaging, has achieved a stunning national first, working with suppliers to pilot a thinner wrapping for magazines and brochures – significantly reducing the amount of plastic used. The company also offers its own recycling service, through which schools, customers and the public post back or hand-deliver plastic waste which can't be recycled in some areas. Polyprint takes in waste ink that other companies would otherwise throw away and ensures all unnecessary power supplies are switched off. The judges were impressed that all managers and staff are committed to reducing their impact on the environment and have used innovation and creativity to drive down waste and reduce costs.
Sponsored by:
May Gurney is an integrated support and construction services company, providing maintenance and enhancement services to the highways, rail, utilities, municipal waste and general infrastructure markets, with more than 5,000 employees across the UK. May Gurney develops long-term relationships with its customers, primarily in the public and regulated sectors, where care for the environment and the need to create sustainable service solutions are key factors. May Gurney listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in June 2006 and is one of only two companies to have won the EDP Business of the Year Award twice.