Ricoh UK Products and Pilkington UK were awarded first prize in two categories at the BCE Environmental Leadership Awards in June.
Top honours went to glass manufacturer Pilkington UK in the Process category, and to office equipment manufacturer Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) in the competitive Management for Resource Efficiency category.
RPL received the award for its Sustainability 2050 Plan, a multi-pillar strategy to reduce waste and improve sustainability including zero waste to landfill. The plan has established integrated environmental targets of 30% by 2020 and 87% by 2010, compared with 2000 levels. British Gypsum Robertsbridge received a major commendation for re-use of landfill leachate in manufacturing.
The Pilkington UK5 float glass line, featured in the BBC’s Made in Britain, is the largest glass furnace in the UK. It won the Process award for upgrading the plant’s pollution control system, reheat burners and furnace and for developing an on-line glass coating system which improves performance of solar cells and double-glazing.
Artisan bakery The Thoughtful Bread Company received a major commendation in the SME category.
Sir Stuart Rose, ex-CEO of Marks & Spencer (pictured), introduced the awards ceremony and spoke about the sustainability pledges of his old company. He told the audience that sustainable practises have both strong commercial and ethical incentives. “By 2030, the UK will need 50 per cent more energy and food, creating a ‘perfect storm for business,” he said. “Unsustainable business models will survive for the next three decades, but will become fewer, as consumers demand more sustainability in the goods and services they buy.”
Dr Liz Goodwin, chef executive of environmental organisation WRAP and main sponsor, said that £23bn could be saved by UK industry by reducing waste and developing more energy-efficient processes.
Founded by Sir Peter Parker in 1975, the BCE Awards is one of the world’s longest-running awards judging environmental performance. It recognises businesses judged by independent panel to meet present day commercial demands without compromising the environment.
