Business Winners 2012

Climate East Midlands is very pleased to have supported the Business in the Community annual awards for the East Midlands which were presented on 20th June at a gala dinner in the beautifully restored Roundhouse in Derby (an early Victorian buiilding which was originally designed to enable steam locomotives to change direction). Congratulations to the winners of the environment awards in particular who included Air Fuel Synthesis Ltd, Boots Contract Manufacturing and Eversheds LLP. It was also good to see energy and climate change appearing in other awards where winners included E-On and John MacDonald from Ecoworks.

Innovation in the Low Carbon Economy sponsored by Rolls Royce.  This award recognises the development of innovative carbon cutting solutions and in managing to turn the low carbon economy into a business opportunity. Winner: Air Fuel Synthesis Ltd This Loughborough based company uses renewable energy to capture carbon dioxide and water from the air, electrolyses the water to make hydrogen and reacts the carbon dioxide and hydrogen together to make hydrocarbon fuels. The company is currently seeking investment in order to step up production from its demonstration facility. The process, which will supply a sustainable fuel alternative to fossil fuels, is driven by renewable energy and the overall process of carbon dioxide capture, fuel production and fuel combustion will be carbon neutral.

Carbon Reduction Award sponsored by British Gas.  This award recognises businesses that demonstrate clear leadership in positively managing their environmental impact and who have successfully and sustainably reduced their carbon footprint. Joint winners were: Boots Contract Manufacturing in Nottingham and Eversheds LLP (Nottingham office). Both companies have invested significantly in equipment, processes and staff training to bring about significant reductions in energy and carbon emissions in a large factory and office environment respectively. The Environment Agency's Calverton Fish Farm was also highly commended in this category - despite a relatively small operation, the facility (which supplies fish for the Agency nationally) has invested in renewables and made measurable improvements over time.

Community Champion Awards sponsored by Boots: John Macdonald - Ecoworks. This social enterprise exists to promote the interests and personal development of people who are socially disadvantaged by delivering activities connected with the conservation, restoration and enhancement of the environment. Ecoworks activities are based on our three sites – the Community Gardens and Market Garden (based on the Hungerhill Allotments) and our Brewsters Road Garden – all of which are in St Ann’s in inner city Nottingham.

Re-Accredited Big Ticks 2012 - E.ON won twice for its Energy Experience Programme and sustainable travel at Sherwood Business Park and Electronic Meeting Solutions.