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The geographical reach of the EEAS has also extended as the achievements of Lehman Bros in New York were rewarded. Alongside the private sector a range of public sector organisations were also recognised ranging from Milton Keynes Council to the Department of International Development.
The economic and environmental importance of tackling climate change has prompted more organisations than ever before to strive for EEAS accreditation. This latest group of accreditations brings the total number of organisations working within the EEAS to over 230.
To achieve EEAS accreditation organisations need to show that they are making real energy savings through management commitment, investment and energy efficiency measures. The standards are stringently monitored by a team of energy experts from the National Energy Foundation with results moderated by the Energy Institute.
Tom Delay, Chief Executive, the Carbon Trust, speaking at the awards ceremony commented: “UK business is on the move on climate change with an increasing number seeing that taking early action to reduce their carbon footprint makes perfect business sense. Today’s awards are further evidence that those that act today will reap the multiple benefits of improving their bottom line while increasing their overall competitiveness. The companies recognised through EEAS have not only demonstrated energy efficiency reductions and made significant investments in energy efficiency, but have managed to garner senior level commitment.”
The ceremony also saw the presentation of E.ON’s Energy Award which was given to the organisation with the best EEAS submission out of those received this year:
WINNER:
• Vauxhall Motors, Ellesmere Port for reducing absolute energy used and in particular for reducing the amount of energy used to build each car by 40% over the last three years.
RUNNERS-UP:
• Lehman Bros, New York which improved against all energy benchmarks and particularly good management of transport emissions.
• BAE Systems Brough for particularly strong management commitment to energy management and corporate social responsibility.
• Ricoh for innovative projects, investments and communications to staff and stakeholders resulting in real cultural change to energy efficiency.
• City Facilities Management which demonstrated a unique partnership with its key corporate client – Asda to enhance energy efficiency through team working and by shared best practice.
Presenting the award Peter Haigh, Director of Business to Business, E.ON said “We are proud to be sponsoring the awards again this year and delighted that the Ellen MacArthur Award will be presented for the first time.
“Businesses are responsible for around 40% of all the UK’s carbon emissions, and we are all now more focused in how we can make changes to reduce our impact on the environment.”
Dame Ellen MacArthur also presented an award for greatest personal achievement:
WINNER
• Nigel Palmer, Debenhams Retail Ltd, who has ensured that every Debenhams employee knows the importance of making sure energy, is used wisely. In ten months, this awareness has reduced Debenhams CO2 emissions by 8,700 tonnes equivalent to 8% of targeted use.
RUNNERS-UP
• Dan Simmonds, BAE Systems, Brough. Dan’s inspirational attitude is exceptional. A young engineer, one year out of serving apprenticeship on the Brough Site, he has whole heartedly grasped the opportunity of day-to-day energy management on the site. His motivation and hard work has paid dividends, compared to 2004 electricity and gas use has reduced by over 10%, oil by 73% and water by almost 17%.
• Sue Bullen, Department Culture, Media and Sport. DCMS was the first central government department to achieve accreditation, largely down to Sue’s efforts. One of her key achievements has been to change the working culture of the department through commendable initiatives that have been implemented influencing staff awareness and motivation
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