Green Awards - An RSA Accreditated Environmental Awards Scheme
This Accreditation Scheme has been designed and created by the RSA's Forum for Environmental & Sustainable Development Awards (Awards Forum). www.rsaaccreditation.org
The Awards Forum researched, developed and produced www.EnvironmentAwards.net - an online database of over 400 environmental and sustainable development awards.
EnvironmentAwards.net is a powerful resource providing a searchable on-line database of over 400 environmental awards. Awards have long been recognised as a means by which we can bring to light examples of innovation and celebrate the achievements of these pioneers. They act as a mechanism to encourage others to strive towards best practice and help to drive forward the sustainability agenda.
The Awards Forum is advised by a Steering Group chaired by Gareth Jones FRSA and drawn from a wide cross section of interested parties. It is an RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts Manufactures and Commerce) initiative developed with support from the DETR, Pfizer, Biffa Waste Services, KPMG and Biffaward.
The RSA was founded in 1754. It is an independent charity that exists to encourage the development of a principled and prosperous society. With the support of over 22,000 Fellows, we run a programme of work based around our manifesto which consists of five key challenges:
• Encouraging Enterprise
• Moving Towards a Zero Waste Society
• Fostering Resilient Communities
• Developing a Capable Population
• Advancing Global Citizenship
For more information on the work of the RSA visit www.theRSA.org
The number of environmental and sustainable development awards has grown dramatically over the past few years. This has led to problems for potential sponsors and entrants who are often unsure of the quality and validity of schemes and in turn for the organisers.
The RSA Environment Forum has established an Accreditation Scheme to help tackle this problem. The main aim of the scheme is to improve the design, operation and efficacy of award schemes. Accreditation will give recognition to those schemes which meet the standard of organization and operation as set out in the RSA 'Guide to Good Practice - Organising and Sponsoring Environmental and Sustainable Development Awards'.
The main aim of the accreditation scheme is to improve the design, operation and efficiency of award schemes. Accreditation will give recognition to those schemes, which meet the standard of organisation and operation, as set out in the RSA Guide to Good Practice 'Organising and sponsoring environment and sustainable development awards'.
The Green Awards for Creativity in Sustainability is part of the Environmental Awards Accreditation scheme after becoming compliant and meeting the RSA's guidelines following the successful completion of the third Green Awards in November 2008.
We are one of only seven accredited awards in the UK out of over 400 environmental awards. Not only does this demonstrate quality assurance to our stakeholders, but it means that winners of the 2009 awards are automatically eligible to enter the European Business Awards for the Environment, presented by the European Commission.
Sarah Jenkinson
Communications Manager ,Stop Climate Chaos Coalition
The European Business Awards for the Environment
The European Business Awards for the Environment play a crucial role in demonstrating progress on environmental and sustainable development issues worldwide. The Awards are held every two years and are organised by the European Commission. For details of eligibility and criteria visit: www.ec.europa.eu/environment/awards/index_en.htm
Participation can help companies:
- To demonstrate commitment to improving the environmental performance of companies
- To enhance company image and promote achievements
- To gain exposure in the market place nationally and internationally
- To gain recognition in Europe as an environmental champion for the UK
- To exploit the competitive advantage associated with greener products, services and activities
The European Business Awards for the Environment are given in the following four categories:
- Management award for sustainable development. This award is for an exceptional organisation with the strategic vision and management systems that enable it to continuously improve its contribution to sustainable development.
- Product award for sustainable Development. This award is for the development of a new product or service that makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development.
- Process award for sustainable development. This award is for the development and application of a new production technology that makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development.
- International co-operation award for sustainable development. The award is for an international partnership involving at least one private organisation from the European Union, accession or applicant country and the other(s) from the private, public, non-governmental and academic sector in a developing country or a country with an economy in transition.