2009 Copenhagen Conference sparks interest amongst ‘Green’ businesses For The Sustainable City Awards

Reports today show an increased interested from UK organisations keen to be a part if the international climate change agenda, generated by the approach of the 2009 Copenhagen conference. In response to this the City of London Corporation extends the deadline for the prestigious Sustainable City Awards.

Originally set to close at the end of the October, the City of London Corporation will be giving businesses an additional week to compete for a ‘Green Gong’. The Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievement across three pillars of sustainable development - the environment, social issues and the economy.

Simon Mills, Head of Sustainability at the City of London Corporation says, “Carbon emissions are the key cause of climate change and businesses are responsible for up to 45 per cent of all carbon emissions in the UK. From the increased interest we have received as result of the Climate Change agenda, it is evident that businesses are recognising the benefits of sustainable business practice.”

Since the foundation of the awards scheme nine years ago, more than 150 organisations have received recognition for their outstanding achievements across three pillars of sustainable development - the environment, social issues and the economy. These organisations span charities to family run firms, and global multinationals to public sector organisations.

Past winners have ranged from household names such as Sainsbury’s, the London Fire Brigade and BT Group, to small and family-run businesses such as Beales Hotels and Chi Low Hub. All have been rewarded for their implementation of sustainability as a central philosophy to their business practice.

The Sustainable City Awards were established in 2001 by the City of London Corporation and are run in partnership with 20 organisations, including livery companies, trade bodies, voluntary sector organisations and businesses. Representatives from each of these organisations join the judging panel to select winners and runners-up across the award categories. Winners will be announced in a prestigious awards ceremony during which exemplary green credentials will be shared with an appreciative audience at Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s official residence, in February 2010.

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