One of the most respected awards schemes in the UK, the Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) was first established in 1975 by Sir Peter Parker. Its core aim is to reward the success of those companies who can meet the commercial demands of its clients and customers, whilst providing for environmental commitments in the future.

The overarching goal of the Business Commitment to the Environment Leadership Awards is summarised succinctly on the BCE's website:

"The BCE Awards aim to provide a unique opportunity for any business to demonstrate clearly that corporate responsibility is an integral part of their organisation, they are innovative and are ahead of the competition. Managed and administered by UK business, the BCE Awards truly recognise the importance of environmental excellence, innovation and leadership in an age where, increasingly, running with the pack simply is not enough.Entry is free of charge - so the BCE Awards are among the easiest to enter but, by stark contrast, the hardest to win. Only those projects that meet the judges' demanding criteria succeed".

It is an award scheme, then, that rewards those who can work within the mainstream, without compromising their environmental beliefs.

The Business Commitment to the Environment Leadership Awards of 2009

This year's awards saw Pfizer taking the prestigious Management Premier Award, scooping the accolade for its undertaking of its Green Chemistry Programme, which looks to reduce the use of environmentally damaging chemicals in the production of pharmaceutical products. Understandably delighted to receive the award, Chief of Green Chemistry at Pfizer, stated that the organisation were:

"Proud to win this BCE Award. It's great to be recognised for the work we've done to improve our environmental performance; and specifically the commitment of our scientists advancing our Green Chemistry processes, who've worked really hard to enable Pfizer to be acknowledged in this way as a leader of environmental excellence".

The BCE's other top prize, the Sir Peter Parker Award, was awarded to Bovis Lend Lease, and other premier awards went to Toyota Manufacturing UK, Sainsbury’s with NCR and River Dart Country Park. Commendations were also given toInterface FLOR, Baxter Story, Scottish Power Renewables, Robert Wiseman Dairies, Camira Fabrics, Marshalls and Seacourt.

Championing Practical Environmental Measures Through the Business Commitment to the Environment Leadership Awards

This year's Business Commitment to the Environment Leadership Awards, just as in recent years, has - through its careful decisions on whom to bestow its awards - shown that it is possible to provide a working commercial business model alongside a sound environmental plan, securing both economic and environmental gains in the future.

It is expected that this combination will be reflected in the endeavours and aims BCE, for the awards presentations in years to come.

For more information on the Business Commitment to the Environmental Leadership Awards, please visit their website.

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