Veolia Environmental Services wins major BITC Climate Change Award

Veolia Environmental Services is the overall winner of the Climate Change category of Business in the Community’s annual 2012 Awards for Excellence.

Now in their 15th year, Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence recognise the sustainable role companies can play in society. They spotlight those organisations that are transforming themselves by integrating responsible practices across their organisation and both contributing to society and improving the environment.

Veolia’s award winning ‘Go Further Together’ programme was developed to ensure the business delivers a measurable positive impact on society. It was recognised by judges for achieving its targeted goals, delivering innovation by investing in new technology to reduce carbon impact and working with communities across the UK.

In recognition of the 2012 awards event theme of ‘excellence’, guests were joined by HRH The Prince of Wales, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes and Paralympian, Liz Johnson. The event was hosted by musician Suggs and BBC journalist Mishal Husain at London’s Old Billingsgate Market and was supported by Wates Construction.

David Lusher, Executive Director of Veolia Environmental Services said: “We are constantly working with our customers to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve and protect the environment by turning waste into a resource. We were recently recognised as the most improved company in the BITC’s CR Index after gaining Platinum Status and this latest award shows how far we have come.”

Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive, Health & Beauty Divison, Alliance Boots and chair of the Awards for Excellence judging panel said “Veolia is making rubbish exciting by a ‘can do’ attitude and energy that ensures their business takes every opportunity to find solutions to the challenges of sustainability. Veolia is living up to and going beyond expectations to truly be an environmental enabler and champion for its clients.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “Business can be a force for good and the winners of our awards demonstrate that clearly. I congratulate Veolia Environmental Services for winning the Climate Change Award. Through our awards we are celebrating ideas that transform business models and practices, but also transform lives and provide opportunities in some of our most deprived communities.”

Awards in numbers
With all national and regional award entries combined, BITC received 335 entries in 2012. 87 entries resulted in National Big Tick awards and 53 of these were shortlisted for the finals within their category. 105 companies had their 2010/2011 national Big Ticks reaccredited this year.

For full details and case studies of all the 2012 Awards for Excellence winners visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards.