Exeter Sustainability Awards return for fourth year

Businesses, organisations and individuals are being encouraged to enter this year’s Exeter Sustainability Awards.

Returning for their fourth year, the awards are designed to celebrate, support and recognise the sustainable practice and commitment of those driving change and making a difference to sustainability across Exeter.

The awards were founded by Princesshay in 2022 and are backed by Exeter City Council and sponsored by Stagecoach South West, Coastal Recycling, Global City Futures, 1Energy and the University of Exeter.

The awards provide a platform to highlight those who are finding new ways to adapt their lifestyles and workplaces to be more sustainable.

Free to enter, the awards are open to organisations and individuals living or operating within a 10-mile radius of the city centre. The categories open for entry are: Community Group / Charity / Non-profit, School / Educational Organisation, Micro Business (0–9 employees), Small Business (10–49 employees), Medium/Large Business (50+ employees), and Sustainable Hero – open to any individual going above and beyond in their community.

Hannah Overton, Princesshay's Marketing and Commercialisation Manager, said: “In the last three years, we have seen the work that businesses, groups and individuals are doing to make a difference to sustainability in Exeter. It’s incredible to see and I’ve learnt so much. These awards are a celebration of sustainability and what can be done when we come together for a single cause – our planet. We want to encourage as many people as possible to enter this year, even if they have entered previously, so that together we can champion their efforts.”

Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Climate, Ecological Change and Communities, Cllr Matt Vizard, said: “There are many people and organisations in Exeter promoting sustainability and helping protect and improve our environment. The Exeter Sustainability Awards are an important way to recognise and share inspiring work and achievements, and I would encourage people to take part.”

A panel of judges, including Max Sayers from Nooko, Mia Wilmott from InExeter, Jon Walton from Princesshay and Peter Knight from Stagecoach South West, will be looking for environmental and social best practice, innovation, sustainable energy use and climate resilience.

Max, who is the Managing Director of Nooko and a previous winner at the awards, said: “As a previous winner, I know firsthand the positive impact that winning this award had on our company, Nooko, and the recognition it brought to our commitment to sustainability. I'm honoured to now be on the judging panel and am excited to see the incredible work being done across Exeter. I'm looking forward to highlighting the innovation and dedication of this year's entrants and helping to showcase their contributions to a more sustainable future."

The awards are sponsored by local businesses Stagecoach South West, Coastal Recycling, Global City Futures, 1Energy and the University of Exeter.

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the Exeter Sustainability Awards once again. At Stagecoach South West, sustainability is at the heart of how we operate, offering communities a greener travel option for their journey. These awards are a brilliant way to showcase the innovation and commitment happening across Exeter, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the individuals and organisations making a real difference for our city’s future.”

Organisations, businesses and individuals can enter themselves or nominate others. Entries are now open and close on 12 December.

Full details about the Exeter Sustainability Awards, categories and the application process can be found at: www.exetersustainabilityawards.co.uk