Exeter Sustainability Awards Returns For A Second Year

An awards initiative recognising businesses, community groups and individuals who are going the extra mile for sustainability in Exeter is returning for a second year. Founded by Princesshay in 2022, the awards will open for entries on Friday 1^st September.

Princesshay, The Crown Estate, Exeter Live Better, University of Exeter and InExeter will be working together to celebrate, support and recognise the sustainable practice and commitment of businesses, organisations and individuals driving change and making a difference to sustainability across Exeter.

Hannah Overton, Marketing and Commercial Manager at Princesshay, says, “As the key founder of the awards it is fantastic to bring them back for a second year. To be able to provide a platform that recognises and celebrates the positive steps so many individuals and businesses are taking to be more be more sustainable in the city is so important as we look to meet Exeter’s #NetZero 2030 goal.”

The Exeter Sustainability Awards are free to enter and are open to organisations and individuals living or operating within a 10-mile radius of the city centre. The categories open for entry are new for this year Youth Awards, Community group / charity / non-profit, School / educational organisation, Micro business (0-9 employees), Small business (10-49 employees), Medium/Large business (50+ employees) and Citizen’s Award open for any individual going above and beyond in their community.

A panel of judges will be looking for environmental and social best practice, innovation, sustainable energy use and climate resilience. Judges include Emma Askew, Founder and Director of Earth Minutes; Kalkidan Legesse, Social Entrepreneur; Peter Knight, Manager Director of Stagecoach South West; Trevor Gomm, Princesshay Operations Manager; Rachael Gilliam, Senior Consultant Global City Futures and Helen Shoesmith, The Crown Estate.

Judge, Kalkidan Legesse says, “'There is so much fantastic work in sustainability happening in the region and I'm so pleased that The Sustainability Awards will give it the recognition it deserves”.

The awards are sponsored by local businesses Stagecoach South West, Global City Futures, Exeter College, and Coastal Recycling.

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach South West says “We’re delighted to confirm our support as headline sponsor of the Exeter Sustainability Awards in their second year and look forward to championing the city’s sustainable businesses. It is important for us to be part of initiatives like this that are advocating for meaningful change for our future. “

“As a sustainable travel option for the city and wider region, we strive to tackle climate change and improve air quality. One full double decker bus has the potential to take seventy single travelling vehicles off the road and our aim is to increase that number. We are currently working to introduce more low emission and electric buses into our fleet. Working with Princesshay and partners we are looking forward to connecting and celebrating with other businesses who share our values in wanting a more sustainable future.” 

Global City Futures, Exeter College and Coastal Recycling are sponsoring Small Business, the new Youth category and Community group / charity / non-profit respectively.

Organisations, businesses, and individuals can enter themselves or nominate others. Entries are now open and close on 1^st December 2023.

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