Scottish businesses urged to show water saving credentials at UK awards
Published by Anne Marie Hughes on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:16
Scottish businesses which want to boost their green credentials have only a few weeks to land the UK's top water efficiency accolade.
The Water Efficiency Awards, run by the Environment Agency and UK water efficiency body Waterwise, close to entries on June 30.
Business Stream, Scotland's largest provider of water and waste water services to business customers, will sponsor the business and industry award category, to be presented for a project undertaken by a private sector company which saves money and water, and engages employees.
Mark Powles, chief executive of Business Stream, said Scottish companies have excellent credentials to take on the competition south of the Border. He said: "We've seen some tremendous examples of how businesses have been able to cut their water bills along with their consumption, and we'd love it if a Scottish company won this competition. We've helped companies in Scotland save more than £25 million in consumption, so we know there is some great work being done.
"Scotland has led the world in creating the first competitive non-household market, which puts companies here in a very strong position to compete. However, English companies which have committed to improving water efficiency have been equally innovative so we're very proud to be sponsoring this award and we're looking forward to seeing who comes out on top."
There are eight categories available for businesses to enter:
- Built environment
- Business and industry
- Campaigns and education
- Community-led initiative
- Farming and horticulture
- Innovation
- Landscape and gardening
- Research and evaluation
One project in Scotland will be given an exemplar award, for using
water efficiency to create, social, environmental and economic
benefits. Exemplar awards will also be awarded to projects in
Northern Ireland and Wales.
The awards will be presented at an exclusive ceremony at the House of Lords in September.
Mark Powles said: "This is a terrific opportunity for Scottish businesses to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders the excellent work they have done in reducing their water use and their impact on the environment. We hope to see a few Scottish winners on the night."
Businesses can enter the UK Water Efficiency Awards by visiting http://www.waterwise.org.uk/pages/awards.html
