green business fife awards

GREEN BUSINESS FIFE AWARDS

GUIDANCE NOTES

The inaugural Green Business Fife Awards Ceremony was held in March 2009 to highlight the environmental achievements of businesses of all sizes and sectors operating in Fife.

Following a highly successful first year's programme, we have now decided to make the Green Business Fife Awards an annual event.

In recognising and rewarding companies that have introduced new initiatives and projects which contribute to better sustainable business practice, the new Green Business Fife Awards aim to promote greater awareness and environmental innovation throughout Fife.

You can complete your application online here or download your application from our website and email or post your entry form to the contact detailed on the form. Please remember to complete one entry form per entry.

Applications deadline 12th March 2010

Site visits 23nd March - 16th April 2010

Shortlist announcement - 4th May 2010

Awards Ceremony - 12th May 2010

The Judging

Whether you are applying for an environmental management category , applying under entrepreneurship, or for a green product or service award category,  the Judges will be looking for applications that clearly outline either:

  • A project or service which has been introduced that has improved the environmental performance of your business.
  • Or a product/service delivered by your business which enhances the environmental performance of your customers or solves a particular environmental problem.

Please also include any other relevant information about how your initiatives have improved things for your staff, customers or the local community.

The Judges will consider these criteria in all cases:

  • Environmental sustainability
  • Business success, innovation and leadership 
  • Benefits for the wider community
  • Sustainable procurement/sustainable supply chain initiatives

Here are some ideas of things to consider when completing your application form.

What environmental improvement initiatives were undertaken/What products or services were delivered?

  • Describe clearly details of your project(s) from the start to the finish, include timescales where appropriate 
  • Does the organisation have any policy related to the changes taken?

What were the overall aims of the projects that were implemented?

  • What did the organisation set out to achieve?
  • What inspired the organisation to set itself these goals?
  • At the time were these initiatives considered simple or ambitious?
  • Did the company seek any advice?

Describe the business benefits

  • Describe clearly any cost savings or increased business performance that resulted from new procedures or technologies implemented etc. 
  • Were you able to produce a new product, enter a new market, address a particular environmental issue?
  • Was the organisation able to expand its activities as a result of the initiatives introduced or project/service delivered?
  • Did the organisation co-operate with other organisations?

Describe the environmental benefits

  • Include facts and figures that demonstrate how you have reduced environmental impact.
  • For example was there a reduction in your energy use or that of your customers?
  • Were there any reductions in waste going to landfill or increases in water efficiency?
  • Were carbon dioxide (CO2) savings achieved?
  • Are less materials or resources used in the product/process? 
  • If a new product being delivered, was the ecological footprint considered within the initial R&D stages? 

Has your project delivered any other benefits? For instance for the local environment, community or staff wellbeing etc

  • Local community benefits could include local services, green spaces open days etc
  • Staff wellbeing benefits might include working environment, transport policies, positions eg 'sustainability champion', sense of pride etc

Describe any long term goals the business has and how these are compatible with sustainable business practices

  • How have the changes implemented or the product/service delivered inspired future aspirations?
  • What are the timescales involved?

Terms and Conditions

  1. The application must be filled in as accurately as possible. Providing inaccurate information may result in disqualification.
  2. Entries should be received by the closing date as late entries may not be considered.
  3. All information collected will be held in the strictest confidence by Green Business Fife and any organisations we deal with.
  4. The judges' decision is final.