An award category which we see with increasing regularity is that of ‘Sustainability’. It’s one of those categories which we love; the ones which don’t simply concentrate on a particular industry or activity, but instead look at a positive characteristic of the business and the culture which drives it.

Sadly though, it is also a category which we often see being misinterpreted and we have had many awards judges tell us how the entrants can sometimes give them lots and lots of information on projects which, in all fairness, have very little to do with sustainability!

So, we thought a good point to start this blog post would be with a definition of what Sustainability actually is:

 

The Oxford English Dictionary definition of Sustainability is:

The use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment

or

The ability to continue or be continued for a long time

 

In the awards world, when we speak about Sustainability we are normally referring to the former of the above two interpretations of the word.  Essentially when an awarding body is selecting a winner, they will be looking for a business who is making the very best use of resources, with a view to minimising their overall environmental impact.

Yet another reason we love Sustainability awards; the fact that they celebrate environmental awareness and encourage businesses to look at how their processes and practices affect everyone’s future, not just their profits.  Of course, that’s not to say that cost savings can’t be made by operating in a more sustainable fashion, in fact the two things can often be compatible.

We mentioned earlier that the definition can sometimes be misunderstood, so let’s look at genuinely good examples of Sustainability.  Within the manufacturing industry it may be the traceability of raw product, ensuring that it comes from a fully Sustainable source and can, therefore, be replenished for future use.  Within an office environment it may be the introduction of a minimum print policy, a reduction in the use of plastic drinks cups, the removal of bottled water etcetera.  Within hospitality and catering it may simply be the sourcing of local ingredients to reduce transport miles (perhaps even buying from a supplier who have, themselves, a strong profile when it comes to Sustainability).

These are just a few of the more obvious examples which spring to mind, but there are many areas where both simple and complex plans can be introduced to ensure that companies operate in a much more environmentally-friendly manner.  What we are saying though is that it’s all good!  Good for the planet and good from the point of introducing yet more awards opportunities for businesses who are doing something quite extraordinary.

If you would like to take a closer look at Sustainability or similar awards categories then why not get in touch with us here at The Awards People today via https://theawardspeople.co.uk/contact/.  We can provide you with an Awards Plan for the year ahead, identifying the most appropriate award events and categories to match your activities – and your ethos!

• ​the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environmenta company well-known for its commitment to environmental sustainability
• ​the ability to continue or be continued for a long timeThe strength and sustainability of the economic recovery is still in doubt.

 

The Oxford English Dictionary definition of Sustainability is:

the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment

or

the ability to continue or be continued for a long time