london,
08
October
2021
|
12:19
Europe/London

Call for firms to enter London’s top environmental awards

City firms reducing carbon emissions, cutting out single-use plastics and improving air quality are being encouraged to enter the capital’s top environmental gongs.

The City of London Corporation, which runs the Clean City Awards, wants to hear from firms of all sizes and sectors across the Square Mile.

The awards are open for applications now and close on Friday 15 October.

The scheme, now in its 27th year, rewards businesses leading the way in improving environmental performance and boosting sustainability.

There are five award categories:

  • Resource and Circular Economy: recognising firms championing recycling, re-using and reducing waste and maximising resource efficiency.
  • Plastic Free City: celebrating businesses reducing unnecessary plastics from their operations to help make the Square Mile free of single-use plastics.
  • Air Quality and Climate Action: for businesses taking action to reduce the impact of their operations to cut their carbon footprint and improve air quality.
  • Communication and Engagement: recognising firms encouraging positive behaviour change by educating and inspiring workforce and stakeholders to champion sustainability.
  • Chairman’s Cup: rewarding organisations boosting their environmental and sustainability performance to deliver a resilient recovery post COVID-19.

Last year’s winners include the Bank of England and Investec PLC.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environmental Services Committee, Keith Bottomley, said:

This is important recognition for City businesses taking vital action on environmental sustainability and making changes that matter to us all. 

“Our commitment is to support the achievement of net zero carbon emissions for the whole Square Mile by 2040.

“Thousands of City firms share this goal and are leading the way in other areas, too.

“Whether they are eliminating single-use plastics, improving recycling or playing their part in keeping the streets clean – we want to hear from them so that they can be an example to others.

City businesses need to join the Clean City Awards Scheme before applying for the awards.

Members can attend sustainability support workshops and access resources and networking opportunities.

To sign up, businesses can apply and find out more information at https://ccaslondon.co.uk/.

The City Corporation itself has pledged to become single-use plastic free by the end of the year.

Last year the City Corporation launched its Climate Action Strategy. It commits the organisation to achieve net zero carbon for its own operations by 2027 and across its investments and supply chain by 2040 - and to support the achievement of net zero for the Square Mile by 2040.

The City Corporation protects 11,000 acres of green space in London and south east England including Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath. These sites already remove an estimated 16,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere a year, equivalent to 44% of its annual carbon footprint.

Its Air Quality Strategy aims to ensure that the Square Mile meets W.H.O limits on nitrogen dioxide by 2030.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk 

The City Corporation is the port health authority for London, the largest port health authority in the UK, responsible for services on the River Thames, from Teddington to the English Channel. It protects public health by preventing infectious disease, ensuring water quality, making vessel inspections and enforcing environmental controls.

It is also responsible for keeping the City clean. The Square Mile is the world’s leading international financial centre and its 450,000 workers and 9,400 residents rightly expect the street scene to be of a very high standard in which to live and work.