City businesses dedicated to improving the environment are being invited to enter London’s most prestigious green awards ceremony.

The City of London Corporation, which runs the Clean City Awards, is looking to celebrate firms reducing carbon emissions, boosting recycling, and cutting out single use plastics. And there are awards up for grabs for companies improving local air quality and championing sustainability.

Nominations for the awards scheme, which is in its 28^th year, are open now and close on Friday 14 October 2022 at 5pm.

There are five award categories:

• Chairman’s Cup:  for businesses working towards achieving net zero in the Square Mile by 2040.
• 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.
• 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.
• Communication and Engagement: recognising firms encouraging positive behaviour change by educating and inspiring their staff and stakeholders to champion sustainability.

Last year’s winners include global investment giant, Barings, and law firm, Eversheds Sutherland.

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

“These awards shine a spotlight on City businesses taking vital action to improve our environment.

“We want to help the Square Mile reach net zero status by 2040 and this vision is backed by thousands of our firms.

 “Whether companies are eliminating single-use plastic, improving recycling, or keeping the streets clean – we want to celebrate them so that others can follow their lead.”

Square Mile businesses can join through the Clean City Awards website.

The City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy commits it to achieving net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2027.

It also aims to become net zero across its investment and supply chain by 2040 - and to support the achievement of net zero for the whole Square Mile by the same year.

The City Corporation protects 11,000 acres of green space in London and southeast 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.

Figures released by the City Corporation last year show a 42% drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels across the Square Mile since 2016. The statistics, confirmed by air quality monitors at Beech Street, The Aldgate School and Walbrook Wharf, show a year-on-year improvement over the last five years, due to a range of air quality measures in place and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City Corporation’s Air Quality Strategy aims for over 90% of the Square Mile to meet the current targets for nitrogen dioxide by 2025.

ENDS

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 

Helen Turnbull
Media Officer
07926074336
helen.turnbull@cityoflondon.gov.uk