New sustainability awards launched in Exeter
Published: 14 July 2022
A new awards initiative recognising businesses, community groups and individuals who are going the extra mile for sustainability in Exeter has been launched in the city.
Princesshay, Exeter City Futures, Exeter City Council, Exeter University, In Exeter, Devon Contract Waste and the Exeter Magazine are launching The Exeter Sustainability Awards.
The awards will celebrate, support and recognise the sustainable practice and commitment of businesses, organisations and individuals driving change and making a difference to sustainability across Exeter.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Manager at Princesshay, said: “As part of our We can Do More campaign, we are delighted to launch The Exeter Sustainability Awards with our partners.
“We all have a role to play in making our everyday lives more sustainable. The awards will provide a platform to highlight any business who is finding new ways to source responsibly and individuals who are adapting their lifestyles to be more sustainable, so that we might all learn from them.”
The Exeter Sustainability Awards are free to enter and are open to organisations and individuals living or operating within a 10-mile radius of the city centre.
The categories open for entry are Community group / charity / non-profit, School / educational organisation, Micro business (0-9 employees), Small business (10-49 employees), Medium/Large business (50+ employees) and Citizen’s Award open for any individual going above and beyond in their community.
A panel of judges will be looking for environmental and social best practice, innovation, sustainable energy use and climate resilience.
Judges include Councillor Phil Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, Will Page, Head of Charity, Ride On Exeter; Jo Yelland, Director City Transformation, Exeter City Futures and Exeter City Council; Simon Almond, Managing Director at Devon Contract Waste, Ann Hunter BID Manager for InExeter and Andy Seaman, Head of Environment & Climate Emergency Team, University of Exeter.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Climate Change, welcomed the launch of the awards.
He said: “Sustainability usually means lower carbon emissions and helps Exeter towards its target of becoming a Net Zero Carbon City by 2030.
“These awards will highlight best practice and hopefully make others think about their own energy use and how we can all lower emissions. So I very much welcome the launch and hope that as many individuals, schools, businesses, organisations, charities and community groups as possible take the time to enter and share the great work that they do right across the city.”
The awards are sponsored by Devon Contract Waste who are experts in in environmentally friendly waste disposal and recycling, with their sustainable solutions providing materials to the manufacturing industry.
Simon Almond, Managing Director at Devon Contract Waste says “We’re delighted to confirm our support as headline sponsor of the Exeter Sustainability Awards in their inaugural year and look forward to championing the city’s sustainable businesses.
“As a Zero to Landfill waste management and recycling company, DCW is committed to reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill in the South West. We do this by offering a complete Zero to Landfill recycling service where all materials that can be recycled, are.
“As a forward-thinking business, we’re always looking at ways in which we can improve our own sustainability, so we are looking forward to connecting and celebrating with other businesses who share our values in striving for a more sustainable future.”
Organisations, businesses and individuals can enter themselves or nominate others. Entries are now open and close on 30 September 2022.
Full details about the Exeter Sustainability Awards, categories and the application process can be found at www.exetersustainabilityawards.co.uk