Celebrating UK Business’s Environmental Leaders

Since these articles were published, AEA Technology plc’s business, operating assets and employees were acquired on the 8 November 2012 by Ricardo plc and transferred to a new subsidiary, Ricardo-AEA Ltd. All employees were transferred to Ricardo-AEA Ltd as part of the acquisition and remain available for the execution of all projects via the new company, as are the entire capability and resources previously represented by AEA Technology plc. All individuals remained at previous locations with all offices being retained.

AEA was at the heart of recognising UK business’s environmental excellence, innovation and leadership last night, when 15 companies collected accolades at the 2012 Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards. AEA’s Tim Curtis opened the ceremony, and guest of honour Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, presented the trophies and certificates to the winners.

The BCE Awards scheme provides businesses with the recognition they deserve for meeting the commercial demands of the present, without compromising the environment for future generations. Winners are those businesses that can clearly demonstrate environmental leadership to the demanding BCE judging panel of 13 independent business experts.

The prestigious and most coveted award – the Sir Peter Parker Award - was scooped by AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK for the outstanding environmental leadership displayed in the reformulation of its leading paint brand Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt White.

Using innovative technology, the company developed a new formulation that has 15% less embodied carbon and uses 20% less water during manufacturing when compared with its predecessor, while still delivering the expected opacity, coverage, application and finish.

BCE Awards president Sir Anthony Cleaver congratulated the winner and noted:

“Converting a leading brand and its customers to a more sustainable product takes great belief and commitment. We think it demonstrates outstanding leadership as a sustainable business model.”

BCE Premier Awards went to short-break destination Bluestone National Park Resort, vinyl-flooring recycling scheme Recofloor, water and wastewater management services company Veolia Water UK and water treatment systems provider Watermaiden Ltd. Construction company Skanska UK, won a special commendation for Continuous Commitment and Improvement.

A number of other businesses received Major Commendations. These were Anglian Water @one Alliance, De Beers UK Ltd, Euro Payment Systems Ltd, Greenworks, Mantle Panel Ltd, MGWSP Northamptonshire Highways, The Less Packaging Company, The Wool Packaging Company Ltd and Vegware Ltd.

Tim Curtis commented:

“This is the ninth year that AEA has supported the BCE awards, and we are delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievements of the winning businesses that have really shown their environmental credentials. We congratulate all of this year’s winners who have again demonstrated that improved environmental performance brings great business benefits, as well as a positive environmental impact.”

Be inspired: Winners’ Case Studies 2012 (pdf)

Further details on all the winners can be found on the BCE Awards website.

The 2012 Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards winners with BCE Awards President Sir Anthony Cleaver and Sir John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority

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