The winners for this year’s Sustainable City Awards, which recognise organisations in London that demonstrate excellence in sustainable development and best practice in environmental management, have been announced.

Established in 2001, the national green business awards scheme attracts applications from SMEs and charities to multi-national banks and corporations. For the past 15 years, the Sustainable City Awards has led the way in terms of rewarding the most sustainable practices and business behaviours

This year’s awards, which are run by the London Sustainability Exchange and funded by the City of London Corporation, sought out the best examples of innovation and good practice, to build a smarter, healthier and more environmentally friendly city.

The 2016/2017 Sustainable City Awards winners* are:

• Health and Wellbeing- Brockwell Park Community Greenhouse for the Growing through learning for the Learning through Growing project

• Innovative Technology- Airlabs for the Clean Air Bench project

• Innovative Spaces- Groundwork London for the WARMTH (Warm Homes Agency Referral Method To deliver Health outcomes) project

• Sustainable Transport- DriveNow UK for Drive Now Car Sharing, from BMW, Mini and SIXT

• The Farsight Award for investment analysis- Sustainalytics for the Water Scarcity: Will Investors Be Left High And Dry?" project

• Overall winner- Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses for the Growing through learning; Learning through Growing project

The ceremony was hosted by Siemens at its ground-breaking technology centre ‘The Crystal’, in Royal Victoria docks last night.

Peter Lisley, Assistant Town Clerk & Cultural Hub Director at the City of London Corporation, said:

“I would like to congratulate all of tonight’s winners on their achievements. They are leading the way in green business, which is today more important than ever.

“It’s important to recognise this innovative work which is making London a healthier and more environmentally friendly city.

“This year we have had a wide range of diverse organisations apply, which was great to see and have the opportunity to recognise such work which can easily go unnoticed.”

Samantha Heath, Chief Executive of London Sustainability Exchange added:

“Congratulations to all those who entered and the 46 applicants who were shortlisted in the various categories. It is great to see so many organisations creating such innovative projects.

“I think we have definitely found that the overall winner, an organisation which has put sustainability at the heart of all that they do, is helping other organisations make sustainability equally central to their work. Congratulations to Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses, a well-deserved win.”

The City of London Corporation aims to encourage, support and celebrate responsible City businesses, residents and workers to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

It encourages through leading by example with responsible business practices and with CoLC’s charity-funder The City Bridge Trust, London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of £20 million a year to tackle disadvantage across the capital.

The City Corporation supports businesses to recruit inclusively, procure responsibly, and encourage employee volunteering, including through the Heart of the City network and through City Philanthropy which aims to encourage a new generation of city workers to give their money, time and talent.

It celebrates responsible businesses with The Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards which reward long-term involvement by London businesses to help local communities and with City Giving Day organised by the Lord Mayor’s Appeal which recognises the contribution of businesses and their employees.

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Kristina Drake

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

07710860884 / 020 7332 1125

Notes to Editors:

*List of categories:

Health and Wellbeing -  For best practice in promoting working environments and cultures which benefit the wellbeing of workers or citizens, e.g. Workspace designs and facilities, social and community initiatives, etc.

Innovative Technology - Application of new technology for smarter, more sustainable city life, e.g. Apps to inform behaviours, big data projects, etc.

Innovative Spaces - Mitigating the effects of activities on climate change, or adapting operations to reflect the impact of climate change. Best practice to conserve resources in buildings and business, e.g. gas, water, green roof, sustainable drainage, etc.

Sustainable Transport - Innovative schemes encouraging sustainable forms of travel, reducing the impact of traffic and transport on the environment, or tackling air pollution, e.g. projects to encourage walking, cycling, public realm enhancement schemes, etc.

The Farsight Award for investment analysis- Integrating traditional financial analysis with longer term issues such as climate change, corporate governance and human capital.

Overall winner- The organisation that best demonstrates a pioneering approach to innovation and leadership in sustainability will be presented with the Overall Winner’s trophy.