Best in Combined Reduction - AkzoNobel Decorative Paints

AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, the company behind brands including Dulux and Hammerite, was awarded Best in Combined Reduction in recognition of continued success in taking action on carbon emissions, water use and waste throughout its operations.

The company’s new state of the art factory in Ashington, Northumberland is powered by renewable energy and has adopted a range of cutting edge technologies to minimise water consumption and improve energy efficiency. AkzoNobel is also moving away from solvent-based paints to lower impact water-based options, as well as offering post-use paint can recycling centres to reduce waste.

Being recognised as best overall performer in the Carbon Trust Triple Standard is a source of great pride to us at AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK. As a long-standing holder of the Triple Standard, we continue to find new innovative ways to further reduce our environmental impact. Sustainability sits at the heart of what we do and AzkoNobel will continue to lead by example. I’m immensely grateful to people all across our business who work relentlessly to create a more sustainable future.

- Susan Kendall, UK & Ireland Sustainability Director at AkzoNobel Decorative Paints.

Best in Carbon Management – Port of Dover

The Port of Dover, managing a harbour that handles freight volumes of over 2.5 million units each year, was recognised with the award for Best in Carbon Management. The company achieved an absolute reduction of 17.2% in its carbon emissions over a two year period, despite trade volumes growing to record levels.

Since 2006, the Port of Dover has been committed to an ambitious energy management programme aiming to reduce energy consumption by 5% year on year. Short and long term goals to achieve this are reinforced by bespoke emissions monitoring systems and significant investment in renewables and energy efficiency, buoyed by a staff culture of environmental awareness and sustainability.

We’re the busiest ferry port in Europe, handling 17 per cent of the UK’s international trade in goods. And yet, while those trade volumes have increased by a third in recent years, the port’s carbon footprint has seen a 17.2% absolute reduction. The Port of Dover is passionate about the environment and we strive continuously to promote the most sustainable operations possible. So it’s a real honour for us to have been chosen from a shortlist of such worthy contenders to receive the Best in Carbon Management Award.

- Vicki Jago, Head of Safety and Environment at the Port of Dover.

Best in Water Management – ABP Food Group

ABP Food Group, a leading European food processor working with over 35,000 farmers and specialising in beef, received the award for Best in Water Management. This was achieved thanks to the company reducing absolute water use by 6.6% over the previous two year certification period, continuing to advance its robust approach to water management.

Improved data collection and strong staff engagement through the use of environmental champions at each site has enabled ABP to identify areas to target for progress. Recent efforts to improve overall water use efficiency included making improvements to boilers, heat recovery systems, and processes used for washing and cooling.

At ABP we have cut water usage by 43% since 2008 and we are now on track to meet our 50% water reduction target ahead of our 2020 deadline. Today's award is independent verification of our progress and the culmination of 10 years work that focused on measuring, monitoring and reducing water dependence right across the entire business. We are on a journey and will continue to seek out further improvements, adopt global best practice initiatives and continue to be the sustainability leader for the red meat sector

- Dean Holroyd, ABP Group's Technical and Sustainability Director.

Best in Waste Management – Branston

Branston, one of the UK’s largest potato processors and distributers, reduced its absolute waste output by 8.7% to receive the award for Best in Waste Management. This achievement has followed multiple successful investments and innovations targeting waste from sludge, soil and packaging, in line with a commitment to continually improve environmental performance.

Branston’s successful investments to reduce waste include a new peeling factory on its Lincoln site that uses smart technology for identifying crop defects. Branston is also working with the Love Food Hate Waste programme to help reduce employee food waste. The company has also introduced innovative packaging to increase potato shelf life and reduce product and packaging waste.

We endeavour to make best use of our resources and reduce waste of all kinds throughout our operations. As a sustainable fresh produce businesses, we aim to set a good example, so we’re delighted that our ongoing efforts have been recognised and acknowledged by the Carbon Trust.

- James Truscott, MD, Branston Limited.

Best Performance in Product Footprinting – Bank of England

The Bank of England received the award for Best Performance in Product Carbon Footprinting for the new polymer £5 and £10 bank notes that entered circulation to replace paper bank notes. Over their full ten year lifecycle, the new £10 note’s carbon footprint is 8% lower than the previous paper version, while the £5 note’s has been reduced by 16%.

This reduction has been achieved through the longer life cycle of the new notes and their improved durability compared with paper notes, meaning the Bank of England is able to manufacture fewer notes in total and use less resources in their production.

The Bank of England is committed to reduce its environmental impacts, and we have set ourselves a challenging 20% by 2020 carbon reduction target. The Bank is honoured to have been awarded the Carbon Trust’s Best Performance in Product Footprinting award. This is a great recognition of our efforts in cutting our carbon emissions, and the environmental as well as anti-counterfeiting benefits of the new £5 and £10 polymer banknotes.

- Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier, Bank of England.

Find out more about the Carbon Trust Standard and Product Carbon Footprint Certification.