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European Business Awards for the Environment 2008Changing the way we do business

Nominees:

BAYER AG, GermanyCHOREN Ltd, GermanyThe Co-operative Group Ltd, UKDHV B.V., The NetherlandsErtex-solar GmbH, AustriaJCDecaux SA, FranceKIT (Royal Tropical Institute)/Holding/Mali BioCarburant SA, The NetherlandsRed Eléctrica de España, SpainTERR’AVENIR, FranceTRIIP Ltd, EstoniaWindkraft Simonsfeld GmbH, Austria

11 pioneering projects ingreen innovation Management

Product

Process

International Co-operation

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The future of business is green business

Contents 3 Introduction by Commissioner Stavros Dimas 4-5 Rewarding Europe’s best in green innovation 6-7 Th e Management Award 8-9 Th e Product Award 10-11 Th e Process Award 12-13 Th e International Co-operation Award 14-15 Are you the best in your business?

Legal Notices

Th e European Business Awards for the Environment is organised by the Directorate-General for Environment of the European Commission.

Website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/awards

For further information: European coordinatorKatarzyna WolosTh e European CommissionDirectorate-General Environment (BU-9 0/197)Unit A1 – Communication and GovernanceB-1049 BrusselsTel.: +32 2 299 79 81Fax: +32 2 298 63 27E-mail: katarzyna.wolos@ec.europa.eu

European Business Awards for the Environment SecretariatNicolas BaygertTel.: +32 2 340 30 65Fax: +32 2 345 17 84c/o PRACSISE-mail: eu.awards.env@pracsis.be

© European Communities, 2008 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. Editorial work and lay-out: PRACSIS Printed in Belgium on Cyclus Print

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Every business – large or small – has the opportunity to help solve today’s great environmental challenges, from

climate change to the decline in our biodiversity and the unsustainable use of natural resources. Th ese are not only threats to the environment but also to our way of life and our economies, which rely on a predictable and stable climate and the food and raw materials provided by nature.

Th is brochure introduces the 11 companies nominated for the European Business Awards for the Environment. Th ese enterprises have moved from words to action by develop-ing pioneering solutions – solutions that reduce their own environmental impacts, solutions in the form of environmen-tally friendly products and processes, and solutions that help spread good environmental practice. I am impressed by their ingenuity and achievements and congratulate them all.

Protecting the environment makes economic sense for business. Companies that take care of the environment often

recoup their initial investments within a few years since gains in energy effi ciency and waste reduction translate into savings. And those that market environmental technologies operate in a promising industry sector. EU eco-industries have enjoyed a healthy annual growth rate of around fi ve percent since the mid-1990s. In the area of climate and energy in particular, the Commission is promoting ambitious new targets with respect to energy conservation and renewables. Th e achievement of these will require eff orts from business, but will also provide opportunities for the development and marketing of new technologies.

We have to encourage business to be ‘green and profi table’ since eco-innovation is the way of the future – the only way in which we can ensure our well-being in the long term and remain competitive. In addition to the Business Awards for the Environment, the European Commission has created a number of tools to help business invest in eco-innovation and become environmentally friendly. Th e ‘Environmental Tech-nologies Action Plan’, comprising 25 individual actions, seeks to promote the development and uptake of eco-technologies. Th e EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) helps organisations identify and manage their environmental im-pacts so that they continuously improve their environmental performance. Th e EU Eco-label allows consumers to recognise environmentally sound products and services and make their purchasing decisions accordingly.

But in the end it is up to companies to take the decision to go green – and this will be based on the calculation that an environmentally aware approach is also good for the bottom line. I am therefore very pleased that this brochure shows how going green is a ‘win-win’ approach for both business and the environment.

Stavros Dimas

Commissioner for the Environment

Introduction by Commissioner Stavros Dimas

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The European Business Awards for the Environment are

presented by the European Commission every two years

and aim to recognise and reward European companies that

set an example by successfully bringing together innovation,

economic viability and environmental concerns.

Th e scheme comprises four award categories in which com-

panies are rewarded for management practices, products, pro-

cesses and international co-operation activities that contribute

to economic and social development without detriment to the

environment.

To be eligible for the European Business Awards for the Envi-

ronment, companies must first succeed in their national award

schemes, which are organised throughout Europe every year.

An independent panel of 18 jurors from across Europe met in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 11 and 12 March 2008 to assess and evaluate the 125 entries submitted for this year’s awards.

Th e jury consists of representatives from industry, non-governmental organisations, academia and public authorities. All jury members have environmental matters as their field of expertise.

Members of the jury:

Mr Anton GANTAR (President)Slovenian lecturer and independent environmental consultant, experienced in industrial R&D and environmental issues.

Dr Konstantinos ARAVOSSISLecturer National Technical University of Athens, former president and current scientifi c advisor/member of the board of the Association of Greek Environmental Protection Companies (PASEPPE), and General Secretary of the Greek Solid Waste Management Association (EEDSA – Th e Greek ISWA).

Mr Wilfried BOCKELMANNFormer member of the board of management of Volkswagen and Chairman of the BDI ‘Ausschuss für Umweltpolitik’.

Dr John BOWMANEnvironmental scientist and independent consultant to the UK Government on environmental issues. Fellow of RSA.

Mr Dimiter BRANKOVDirector of Industry and Environment Department at the Bulgarian Indus-trial Association – Union of Bulgarian Business (Member of BUSINESSEUROPE) with responsibility for environmental policy, positions on draft environmental legislation and EMS implementation.

Ms Åsa DOMEIJResponsible for Environment and Social Responsibility at Axfood AB.

Ms Maria ERDÖSEnvironmental advisor, former head of department for environmental management at the Ministry for Environment and Water in Hungary.

Mr Heinz FELSNERBoard member of respACT – Austrian business council for sustainable devel-opment, Vienna, Austria. CEO, KPI Consult, Baar, Switzerland.

Ms Marta FERNÁNDEZHead of Companies Section at Expansión, the leading Spanish fi nancial news-paper. Journalist specialised in environmental coverage.

Ms Eva GELUKCorporate responsibility consultant for Business in the Community Ireland – Ireland’s largest business-led corporate responsibility organisation specialis-ing in advice and guidance to leading companies in Ireland on corporate responsibility.

Mr Nicos GEORGIADESSenior Consultant, Cyprus International Institute for the Environment and Public Health in Association with Harvard School of Public Health.

Rewarding Europe’s best in green innovation

Th is means that the companies awarded the European prize

are ‘the best of the best’; the most far-sighted, responsible and

innovative across Europe. Participation is open to companies

from all EU Member States and candidate countries. Th e

submission of entries to the European awards competition is

managed by national coordinating bodies.

Th e competition has been running for 21 years – it was

launched in 1987 as the European Better Environment Awards

for Industry – and is an indication of businesses’ strong interest

in taking care of the environment and increased awareness of

the benefits this off ers. Companies from 24 European coun-

tries participated in the 2008 edition of the European Business

Awards for the Environment and a total of 125 entries were

received.

The 2008 Business Awards for the Environment jury

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The future of business is green business

1987Launch of the European Better Environment Awards for Industry (EBEAFI) on the occasion of the European Year of the Environment

1988First Better Environment Awards for Industry Ceremony: Brussels

1989Second Better Environment Awards for Industry Ceremony: London

1990Th ird Better Environment Awards for Industry Ceremony: Paris

1992Fourth Better Environment Awards for Industry Ceremony: Seville

1994Fifth Better Environment Awards for Industry Ceremony: Copenhagen

1996Sixth Better Environment Awards for Industry Ceremony: Dublin

1998Seventh Better Environment Awards for Industry Ceremony: Leeuwarden

2000 Renaming of the European Better Environment Award for Industry: First European Awards for the Environment Ceremony: Brussels

2002 Second European Awards for the Environment Ceremony: Budapest

2004 Th ird European Business* Awards for the Environment Ceremony: Brussels, as part of Green Week 2004

* Th e word ‘business’ was added to give well-deserved recognition to companies that have introduced and promoted sustainable development in their activities and practices.

2006 Fourth European Business Awards for the Environment Ceremony: Brussels

2008Fifth European Business Awards for the Environment Ceremony: Brussels, as part of Green Week 2008

Mr Robert GHIRLANDOAssociate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Malta, Chairman of the Institute for Energy Technology of the University of Malta.

Ms Teija LAHTI-NUUTTILADirector, Energy and Environment Industries at Tekes, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation.

Mr László MIKLÓSMember of the Parliament of the Slovak Republic, vice-chairman of the commit-tee for agriculture and environment, Professor at the Technical University Zvolen, scientist at the Institute of Landscape Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Minister of the Environment of the Slovak Republic from 1998 to 2006.

Mr Olavi TAMMEMÄEDirector General, Secretariat of the Working Group on Environmental Auditing (WGEA) of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), National Audit Offi ce of Estonia.

Mr Th eo VAN BELLEGEMDeputy Head, Department of Economy and Technology, Environment Ministry of the Netherlands.

Mr Carlo VANDECASTEELEProfessor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium. Expertise: waste and waste treatment, cleaner production, environmental performance of companies and regions.

Mr Roman VYHNÁNEKHead of the team within the Czech National Training Fund responsible for grant projects in the fi elds of competitiveness, innovation and gender equality. (European Social Fund in CZ), and within the Research Support Fund (CZ) fi nanced by the EEA and Norway Grants – Director for Certifi cation of the CertEQ International, s.r.o.

A history of rewarding green innovation: 1987 to 2008

The jury in session in Ljubljana in March 2008 under the presidency of Mr Anton Gantar

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Award CriteriaCommitment Corporate mission and policy statements – including an en-vironmental policy – must be consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

Integration Environmental and social issues must be fully integrated into mainstream business management, alongside financial performance, with clear objectives and targets for improving performance.

Performance Improvement: there must be continuous improvement in performance against the organisation’s stated environ-mental and social objectives as demonstrated by regular monitoring and reporting.

Accountability There must be regular and systematic dialogue with stake-holders – such as employees, suppliers, customers and non-governmental organisations – with feedback of the results into management decision-making.

Employee involvement Employees must be closely involved in all aspects of environ-mental management and there must be capacity-building in other areas of corporate social responsibility.

Replication potential There must be clear potential for good practice and inno-vation to be shared with other organisations, for example through involvement in business networks and dissemin-ation at conferences.

The Co-operative Group, TERR’AVENIR and TRIIP Ltd were selected by the Jury for the Management Award category of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2008.

The Management Award

This award is for companies with outstanding strategic vision and management systems that enable them to continuously improve their contribution to sustainable development.

Agriculture and environmental management

TERR’AVENIR, France

Terr’Avenir was created in 2003 by 18 farmers to reduce their impact on the environment and has ISO 14001

certifi cation. Each farm creates an individual environmental management plan. Th e farms share details annually about energy, waste, handling dangerous products, reducing raw ma-terial use and biodiversity to compare performance at individual and collective levels, and co-operate to improve performance.

Th e organisation says:

“Our environmental goals are to take part in sustainable development, promote farming, optimise the eff ectiveness of the work of the companies involved, and pass on to future generations a healthy clean Earth. Personal initiatives go beyond the politic to create original actions to reduce impact on the environment. Th e initiative’s originality remains in the making of a collective project for agriculture

companies at an environmental level. ”Contact: Marie Delefortrie (delefortrie@club-internet.fr)Website: http://www.terr-avenir.com

The Jury’s verdict• Th e project represents a strong grassroots initiative by

responsible farmers in a highly problematic sector essential

in Europe, with the totality of farming activities involved;

• Th e project clearly demonstrates how sustainable farming

can contribute to enhance the economic performance of a

company;

• Th e project presents a high replication potential – its trans-

boundary vision and the voluntary aspect representing strong

indicators of replicability and commitment;

• Th e jury highlighted the social responsibility of partners in-

volved and the extra steps taken, such as in the fi eld of waste

management.

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A printing company’s totally integrated environmental and quality management system

TRIIP Ltd, Estonia

Triip is the fi rst Estonian print company to implement inte-grated environmental and quality management. It aims to

diminish its environmental impact and promotes environmen-tal sustainability among its employees and customers. Actions include planting its own forest, developing a specifi c trademark to highlight environment friendly printing services and exploit-ing computer-to-plate technology to reduce chemical use.

Th e company says:

“We pay special attention to diminishing the environmen-tal eff ects of our activities and promote environmental sustainability among our employees and customers. We were the fi rst Estonian printing company to implement an integrated quality and environmental management sys-tem. Milestones include building an ecological production facility, planting forests and creating a trademarked green printing service. ”Contact: Karmen Puiga (karmen.puiga@triip.ee)Website: http://www.ecoprint.ee

The Jury’s verdict• TRIIP is a constantly improving company in the technology

services sector, pioneering in its verifi cation by NGOs and

innovative in its green print trademark;

• Its whole supply chain is environmentally friendly, including

green energy purchasing;

• Th e project represents a proof of how environmental

improvement can run in parallel with economic performance

and encompasses a great replication potential;

• Th e project may raise consumer awareness on sustainability

and innovation, thus contributing to environmental educa-

tion.

The Co-operative Group’s approach to sustainable development

The Co-operative Group Ltd, UK

The Co-operative Group is a major UK company operat-ing retail, pharmacy, funeral services, travel, legal services,

property and farming businesses. Its approach to sustainability is outlined in its Social Goals Strategy, which identifi es the environ-ment as a primary issue, with climate change, waste and biodiver-sity seen as key priorities. Th e group identifi es and measures key environmental, social and ethical impacts annually.

Th e company says:

“We have identifi ed the pursuit of sustainability as a stra-tegic imperative. Our approach to sustainability is outlined within our Social Goals Strategy. Implementation is un-dertaken by the Ethics & Sustainability and Community & Campaigns teams. Senior managers fr om within Co-operative Food, Facilities Management, Energy and Group Services are also responsible for delivering a number of environmental improvements including packaging reduc-tion, waste management, recycling and energy effi ciency. ”Contact: Chris Shearlock (chris.shearlock@co-operative.coop)Website: http://www.co-operative.coop/

The Jury’s verdict• Th e Group is a climate-change aware organisation that dem-

onstrates ethical and social responsibility;

• Environmental and social commitment is exhibited at the

highest management level – sustainability is included in the

company’s corporate mission;

• Th e project demonstrated the highest standards of account-

ability and personal involvement as well as an impressive

array of diverse activities and mobilised business sectors;

• Th e jury appreciated other assets such as wind farming, the

purchase of green energy and environmental targets in the

performance appraisal of managers.

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Award CriteriaInnovationSubstantial innovation in the product or service must bring improvements in environmental performance over com-parable alternatives whilst at least maintaining functional performance.

Environmental benefi tClear and quantifi ed analysis must demonstrate increased resource effi ciency and reduced environmental impacts over the complete life-cycle of the product or service (e.g. through life-cycle assessment).

Social benefi t The product or service must meet the needs of consumers and bring wider social benefi ts (e.g. providing decent work-ing conditions; safeguarding consumer health; improving quality of life).

Economic benefi t Proof must be given that the new product or service is at least economically viable (e.g. through sales performance data or credible sales projections).

Commitment The senior management must be clearly committed to the development and marketing of the product or service and must give an indication of its importance with regard to the organisation’s overall strategy.

Replication potential There must be clear potential for wider adoption of the in-novative aspects of the product or service, and willingness to share this knowledge and expertise with other organisations.

Ertex-solar GmbH, JCDecaux SA and Red Eléctrica de España were selected by the Jury for the Product Award category of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2008.

The Product Award

This award is for companies that have developed a new product or related service that makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development.

Cyclocity® self-service bicycle rental system

JCDecaux SA, France

This simple-to-use service comprises a complete mechanism to support personal mobility: the bicycles themselves,

lockable cycle racks and a terminal for reservation and payment. Short urban journeys are transformed, and the system provides an ideal complement to public transport. Th is is the fi rst system that met with immediate widespread public support, with an average of over 80,000 rentals a day in Paris in the fi rst six months.

Th e company says:

“Cyclocity® is a bicycle-share scheme that easily complements a public transport network. Using judiciously placed racks at railway stations or metro stops, the same journey may be undertaken in part by bicycle and in part using public transport. Unlike a bicycle owned by the user, the user is no longer responsible for the bicycle once he has fi nished his journey with it: this off ers advantages in terms of mobility, as well as unparalleled combinations of diff erent modes of

transport. ”Contact: Marie-Pierre Lemaître (marie-pierre.lemaitre@jcdecaux.fr)Website: http://www.jcdecaux.fr

The Jury’s verdict• Th e security design of this product has enabled the develop-

ment of a viable bicycle-sharing service. Previous attempts

have suff ered because of the loss of bicycles;

• Th e product has been used to develop the sharing service in

several cities in several countries and has proved successful;

• Benefi ts fl owing from this product development include a

reduction in vehicular traffi c, leading to less congestion,

lower vehicle emissions and shorter journey times;

• Th is product provides an additional transport option while

contributing to the production of a healthy lifestyle.

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Renewable Energies Control Centre (CECRE)

Red Eléctrica de España, Spain

The Renewable Energies Control Centre (CECRE) is specifi cally geared to managing and controlling renew-

able energy production in Spain, maximising integration of this kind of energy source and guaranteeing the safety of the electrical system. As a result, it has been possible to increase the maximum capacity of wind farm power with obvious environ-mental and economic advantages.

Th e company says:

“Working with wind and solar power generation is complex, particularly because it is diffi cult to know what the climatic conditions will be like in advance. Th is is why we have set up a Renewable Energies Control Centre to maximise the integration of special regime power generation – electrical production with a power of less than 50 MW fr om renew-able sources, waste and cogeneration – with a particular emphasis on wind energy that is compatible with the secur-

ity of the electrical system. ”Contact: Francisco Gonzalez Plaza (frgonzalez@ree.es)Website: http://www.ree.es/

The Jury’s verdict• Th is product sets out to resolve the diffi culty of matching

electricity production from a diversity of sources with

electricity consumption;

• It enables the incorporation of a larger proportion of

intermittent electricity production from wind turbines than

hitherto possible;

• Th e product is particularly applicable in places with little

connection to other sources of steady electricity production.

Photovoltaic modules in laminated safety glass technology

Ertex-solar GmbH, Austria

Ertex-solar uses polyvinyl butyral foil, found widely in laminated safety glass, to replace ethylene-vinyl acetate foil in photo-

voltaic modules. Advantages for building-integrated photovoltaics include break-through security, suitability for overhead glazing, supersize modules, sustainable technology through synergistic eff ects, weather and sun protection, lower cooling loads in summer and no need for additional materials such as glass.

Th e company says:

“Our technology makes it possible to reduce costs and energy for air conditioning systems as the photovoltaic (PV) cells shade the buildings as well as producing energy where it will be used. An International Energy Agency report indicates it is possible to compensate 30% of Austrian energy con-sumption using building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). Photovoltaics are the cleanest element of renewable energy production, with less air pollution during the lifetime of the

installation, and less emission of greenhouse gases. ”Contact: DI Dieter Moor (dieter.moor@ertex-solar.at)Website: http://www.ertex-solar.at

The Jury’s verdict• Th is is an innovative development combining photovoltaic

fi lm with laminated safety glass which is already in commer-

cial application;

• Th e company has shown a strong commitment to product

development combining a number of desirable features

including renewable energy production;

• Additional product advantages include: strong safety char-

acteristics, weather-protection and light control as well as

widespread application in buildings without the need for

special design features;

• Th is product will encourage the use of photovoltaic

technology and its wider application.

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Award CriteriaInnovationThe technology must include specifi c innovative elements that promote more eco-effi cient production (e.g. by increas-ing resource effi ciency or reducing waste and emissions).

Environmental benefi t The environmental benefi ts of the new technology must be clear and quantifi ed (e.g. through use of eco-effi ciency indicators).

Social benefi t Adoption of the new technology should result in social impacts (e.g. employment opportunities; working condi-tions; effects on local communities) that are either neutral or positive.

Economic benefi t Proof must be given that the new technology is economically viable (e.g. with reference to capital and operating costs).

Commitment The senior management must be clearly committed to adopting the new process or technique and must give an indication of its importance in the context of the organisa-tion’s overall operations.

Replication potential There must be clear potential for wider adoption of the inno-vative aspects of the technology, and a willingness to share this knowledge and expertise with other organisations.

BAYER AG, CHOREN Ltd and DHV B.V. were selected by the Jury for the Process Award category of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2008.

The Process Award

This award is for companies that have developed and applied a new production technology that makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development.

Oxygen depolarized cathode (ODC) technology for saving energy when producing chlorine from hydrochloric acid

BAYER AG, Germany

A new cathode for closed-loop recycling of hydrochloric acid (HCl) by electrolysis allows a major improvement

in energy effi ciency. ODC technology reduces the electricity required to produce a ton of chlorine from HCl by 30% to 1,200 kWh. Th e technology is used at a 20,000 t/a chlorine plant in Germany; a 215,000 t/a industrial scale plant is being constructed in China.

Th e company says:

“Th e principle of increasing the effi ciency of electrolysis cells by suppressing hydrogen formation has been known for some time. Our innovative achievement is in implementing its technical application which requires cathode surfaces of 2.5 m2 and had not been successfully managed up to now. Th e ODC Technology could save about 500 million kWh of electricity worldwide when used for recycling hydrochloric

acid fr om by-products of synthesis reactions. ”Contact: Dr Joachim Genz (joachim.genz.jg@bayer-ag.de)Website: http://www.bayer.com

The Jury’s verdict• Use of this new kind of cathode for the closed-loop recycling

of hydrochloric acid electrolysis off ers a signifi cant improve-

ment in energy effi ciency;

• Th is new technology reduces the amount of the electricity

required to produce chlorine from hydrochloric acid by 30%;

• With the existing worldwide recycling of 700 kton of hydro-

chloric acid, the 30% reduction of the energy use is equiva-

lent to the domestic electricity demand of 300,000 people.

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Nereda – sustainable breakthrough process for cleaner water at lower community costs

DHV B.V., The Netherlands

This innovative process for the biological treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater off ers more sustain-

ability and better treatment with signifi cantly lower investment and operating costs. A specifi c feature is the growth of purifying bacteria in granules with no additional carrier. It off ers a new standard for aerobic wastewater treatment in new plants and for upgrades or extensions of existing plants.

Th e company says:

“Nereda is the fi rst real process breakthrough in generic bio-logical purifi cation of municipal and industrial wastewater for many decades. Compared with conventional aerobic biological purifi cation technologies developed in the mid-20th century, Nereda scores higher on sustainability, fully removes eutrofying pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen compounds, results in signifi cantly lower invest-

ment and operational costs, and reduces plant footprint. ”Contact: Andreas Giesen (andreas.giesen@dhv.com)Website: http://www.dhv.com

The Jury’s verdict• Th e Nereda process represents an important improvement of

the existing practice in wastewater treatment;

• Th e process shrinks plant footprints by a factor of four and

reduces energy consumption by 30 to 50%;

• Th e process also improves stability with additional features

that complete the removal of nutrients;

• Th e process could be widely applied in municipal wastewater

treatment plants where important investments are foreseen in

the near future.

Sustainable production of synthetic biofuel (BTL) using the Carbo-V® process

CHOREN Ltd, Germany

This biomass-to-liquid (BTL) process off ers high-purity fuel, free of sulphur and aromatics, compatible with current/future

diesel engine technology. Combustion is low in pollutants and almost CO

2 neutral. Use of biomass potential in Europe would

reduce oil dependency, cut CO2 emissions by over 80%, minimise

harmful emissions and pollutants by 30 to 40% and provide agriculture with a second source of income.

Th e company says:

“We have developed a thermochemical process to produce syn-thetic fuel fr om biomass. Th is consists of two process stages: the production of tar-fr ee synthesis gas fr om biomass and the subsequent synthesis of this high-purity gas to a fuel. Th e core innovation lies in the fi rst process stage. A distinguishing feature of the biofuel produced with the process is that it does not use plants intended for food or fodder. And the technol-ogy has the potential to synthesise tailormade fuels with

specifi c features. ”Contact: Dr Ines Bilas (ines.bilas@choren.com)Website: http://www.choren.com

The Jury’s verdict• Controlled and effi cient biofuel production makes an impor-

tant contribution to EU renewable energy policy;

• Th e process developed by Choren enables valorisation of solid

biomass waste;

• Th e synthetic biodiesel obtained is high quality, completely

free of sulphur and aromatics, and almost CO2 neutral;

• Th e second-generation biofuel production does not use plants

intended for food.

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Award Criteria

Clear objectivesThe partnership must be guided by a clear statement of objectives demonstrating how it expects to contribute to the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable development.

Planning and resource allocation The partnership must be thoroughly planned and must be allocated suffi cient human and fi nancial resources to enable it to work effectively towards its objectives.

Sustainable benefi t The partnership must produce measurable and lasting benefi ts that are consistent with the principles of sustainable development (e.g. reduced resource consumption, improved working conditions, poverty alleviation).

Equity The benefi ts must be evenly distributed among those involved, and the partnership must be managed in a way that is fair and transparent to all partners.

Synergy Benefi ts must be produced more effi ciently and effectively as a result of the partnership (e.g. by avoiding duplication of effort; mobilising greater expertise; building trust).

Replication potential There must be potential for applying the innovative aspects of the partnership to other situations and partners.

KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)/Holding/Mali BioCar-burant SA and Windkraft Simonsfeld GmbH were selected by the Jury for the International Co-operation Award category of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2008.

The International Co-operation Award

This award is for companies that have developed an international partnership for sharing knowledge and technology, leading to sustainable growth in developing countries.

EL SOL – solar-thermal water heating systems through renewable energy promotion in Bolivia

Windkraft Simonsfeld GmbH, Austria

EL SOL promotes technical knowledge for self-building solar-thermal water heating systems in Bolivia. Its next

phase is the establishment of a Centre for Promotion of Renew-able Energies as a local facility for transferring technology. Th is centre will promote technological know-how on the basis of an international exchange of experiences as well as exhibiting low energy-effi ciency concepts.

Th e company says:

“EL SOL water-heating systems have been implemented in Bolivia since July 2005. A continuous evaluation has been taking place since then to optimise the technology provided for local needs. Th e initiative of the establishment of a com-petence centre for renewable energy in Bolivia is the culmin-ation of various eff orts resulting in economic development through an overall capacity building program that is based on creating a platform for technology promotion in the fi eld

of renewable energy. ”Contact: Gloria Diewald (elsol@wksimonsfeld.at)Website: http://www.wksimonsfeld.at

The Jury’s verdict• Th is activity demonstrates good co-operation between an

organisation in an EU Member State and one in a developing

country, with benefi ts to both;

• Th e simple development enables those on low incomes and in

remoter areas to derive some of their energy needs from solar

energy;

• Th e technology required is relatively simple, can be produced

locally and requires little maintenance;

• Th e development has the potential to be replicated widely.

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Sustainable biodiesel production in Mali

KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)/Holding/Mali BioCarburant SA, The Netherlands

Production of biofuel from jatropha nuts supplements farm-ers’ incomes in Mali to reduce poverty. Th e fuel is sold on

the local market. Th e initiative can be integrated into existing agricultural activities while optimising positive environmen-tal impact. More then 1000 farmers have planted jatropha seedlings, a farmers’ union is operational and the fi rst barrels of biodiesel should be produced in early 2008.

Th e company says:

“Biofuels are good for the environment if produced in a sus-tainable way. Th is small-scale initiative can be integrated into existing agricultural activities while optimising posi-tive environmental impact. Jatropha is resistant to drought and grows on land where other crops fail. Plants are har-vested on kilometres of land stretching along the roadside or integrated in existing farming systems while ensuring food security. Th ey are ideally suited to holding the soil together

and protecting cultivated fi elds fr om erosion. ”Contact: Marije Boomsma (m.boomsma@kit.nl)Website: http://www.kit.nl

The Jury’s verdict• Th e project represents excellent co-operation between an

organisation in an EU Member State and one in a developing

country, with benefi ts to both;

• Th e biodiesel is produced from a non-food crop grown on

non-agricultural land or, where on agricultural land, is an

inter-crop which is likely to lead to better food crops;

• Th e resulting biodiesel will reduce the need for fossil oil in

Mali and may provide an export product;

• Th e development has been shown to be viable as a commer-

cial activity which benefi ts Mali.

MALI BIOCARBURANT

Who can apply for the EBAE?Th e European Business Awards for the Environment are open to

companies offi cially registered in one of the 27 EU Member States

and/or in one of the EU accession countries. Th e Awards classify

EU companies into two categories: Small and Medium-Sized

Enterprises, or Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Industries; and

Major Corporations (or large companies).

How to get involved?Only companies that have already received a national award are

eligible to compete for the European Awards. Direct entries are

not possible. Applicants must fi rst have entered one of the national

award schemes and have been awarded a prize at national level.

What are the roles of the National Coordinators?Th e EBAE are underpinned by a series of national award schemes

held in the 27 Member States as well as in Croatia and Turkey.

Th e National Coordinators represent these national award bodies

and act as intermediaries between the European Commission and

the companies which have been awarded a national prize and are

competing for a European Business Award.

Who are the EBAE promoters?To raise awareness about the Awards and promote the develop-

ment of environmentally sound management systems, products,

processes and international co-operation schemes, the European

Commission is collaborating with European umbrella organisa-

tions and networks. EBAE Promoters have agreed to a strong

commitment and a substantial contribution to the promotion of

the European Business Awards for the Environment.

Who can I contact for further information and advice?

European coordinatorKatarzyna WolosThe European CommissionDirectorate-General EnvironmentUnit A1 - Communication and GovernanceTel.: +32 2 299 79 81Fax: +32 2 298 63 27E-mail: katarzyna.wolos@ec.europa.eu European Business Awards for the Environment SecretariatNicolas Baygertc/o PRACSISTel.: +32 2 340 30 65Fax: +32 2 345 17 84E-mail: eu.awards.env@pracsis.be Website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/awards

EBAEfrequently asked questions

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Austria Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry,

Environment and Water Management

Division VI/5 Mr Armin Pecher Stubenbastei 5, A-1010 Vienna Tel.: +43 1 51 522 16 46 armin.pecher@lebensministerium.at www.lebensministerium.at/umwelt

Belgium Federation of Enterprises in BelgiumMs Birgit FremaultRue Ravensteinstraat 4,1000 BrusselsTel.: +32 2 515 08 25Fax: +32 2 515 08 32bf@vbo-feb.bewww.vbo-feb.be

Bulgaria Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum Ms Svetla Kaisheva Slavyanska Str. 42, 1000 Sofi a Tel.: +359 2 986 5202 Fax: +359 2 986 5625 svetla.kaisheva@bblf.bg www.bblf.bg

CroatiaMinistry of Environmental Protection, Physical

Planning and Construction, Directorate for

Strategic and Integration Processes in Environmental

Protection Republic of CroatiaMs Nevenka PreradovićUlica Republike Austrije, 2010000 ZagrebTel.: + 385 1 3782 187Fax: + 385 1 3782 187nevenka.preradovic@mzopu.hrwww.mzopu.hr

Czech Republic Business Leaders ForumMr Tomáš Nejedlo Štěpánská 61,Palac Lucerna 116 02 Prague 1Tel.: +420 224 216 275Fax: +420 224 213 957blf@blf.cz; nejedlo@blf.czwww.blf.cz; www.csr-online.cz

CyprusMinistry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and

EnvironmentMs Eleni StylianopoulouEnvironment ServiceLouki Akrita Avenue1411 NicosiaTel.: + 357 22 303 865Fax: + 357 22 77 49 45estylianopoulou@environment.moa.gov.cyhttp://www.moa.gov.cy

Denmark Ingeniørforeningen i Danmark, IDA Mr Kristian Smestad Kalvebod Brygge 31-33, 1780 Kobenhavn V Tel.: +45 33 18 48 48 Tel.: direct: +45 33 18 46 40 Fax: +45 33 18 48 87 ks@ida.dk http://ida.dk/Netvaerk/EU+Miljoepris/

Estonia Estonian Ministry of the EnvironmentMr Kadri TomingasNarva mnt 7a-424, 10117 Tallinn Tel.: +372 626 07 50Fax.: +372 626 28 01kadri.tomingas@envir.eehttp://www.envir.ee

Finland Th e Association of Environmental EnterprisesMs Katri PenttinenEteläranta 10, P.O. Box 4, 00131 HelsinkiTel.: +358 40 5600330 Fax: +358 9 630225 katri.penttinen@chemind.fi www.ymparistoyritykset.fi /english

France Ministère de l’écologie et du développement durable

Délégation au développement durable Mr Jean-Paul Ventère 20, avenue de Ségur 75302 Paris 07 SP Tel.: +33 1 42 19 25 06 jean-paul.ventere@ecologie.gouv.fr www.ecologie.gouv.fr

Germany Federation of German Industries BDIMr Franz-Josef von KempisBreite Strass 2910178 BerlinTel.: 0049 (0)30 2028 1509Fax: 0049 (0)30 2028 2509E-Mail. v.Kempis@bdi.euweb. www.bdi.eu

Greece Hellenic Associaton of Environment

Protection Enterprises, PASEPPE Ms Athena BourkaMarni Str. 4,104 33 Athens Tel.: +30 210 29 18 488 Tel.: +30 210 22 24 208 Fax: +30 210 82 320 45 abourka@epta.gr www.paseppe.gr

For business organisations, the ‘best’ in terms of sustainable development requires balanced progress towards three inter-connected objectives:

Environmental excellence: preventing pollution and opti-

mising resource effi ciency in their operations and developing

products or services with minimal life-cycle environmental

impacts;

Social responsibility: meeting the wider concerns of stake-

holders (e.g. employees, suppliers, customers, local commu-

nities) over issues such as working conditions, human rights

and community involvement;

Strong fi nancial performance: profi tability and competitive-

ness bringing benefi ts to shareholders and securing long-term

growth and security of employment for the future.

Business has a key role to play in ensuring a sustainable

future for the environment. Th e European Business Awards

for the Environment allows us to celebrate what has already

been done, showcasing companies that are pioneers in green

innovation.

So get involved and let your company enjoy the rewards!

For more details, contact your national representative listed below:

Are you the best in your business?

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Hungary Hungarian Association of Environmental

Enterprises Ms Agnes Czibo Keleti Karoly u. 11/A, H-1024 Budapest, Tel.: +36-1-350-7271 Fax: +36-1-336-0393 kszgysz@t-online.hu www.kszgysz.hu

Ireland Irish Business and Employers Confederation

(IBEC)Mr Robert O’SheaConfederation House 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2Tel.:+353 (0)1 6051526Fax: +353 (0)1 638 1526robert.oshea@ibec.ie www.ibec.ie

Italy AeT – Ambiente e Territorio,

Agency of the Chamber of Commerce

Industry Craft

Agriculture of Rome Mr Giuseppe TripaldiVia dell’Umiltà 48,00187 RomaTel.: +39 066976901Fax: +39 066783362info@premioimpresambiente.itwww.premioimpresambiente.it

Latvia Latvian Pollution Prevention Center (LPPC) Mr Janis Plavinskis Bruninieku iela 27-40Riga, LV-1001 Tel.: + 371 720 4118 Mobile: +371 6454 772Fax: +371 7221865 liene.bigaca@lppc.lv lppc@lppc.lvwww.lppc.lv/videsbalva

Lithuania Lithuanian Confederation of IndustrialistsMr Jonas MotiejunasA. Vienuolio g. 8, LT-01104 VilniusTel.: +370 5 212 5217Fax: +370 5 212 52 09ekobaltas@parkas.ltwww.lpk.lt

Luxembourg Fédération des Industriels Luxembourgeois

(FEDIL) Mr René Winkin P.O. Box 1304, 1013 Luxembourg Tel.: +352 43 53 661 Fax: +352 43 23 28 rene.winkin@fedil.lu www.fedil.lu

Malta Cleaner Technology CentreMr Anton Pizzuto, DirectorOld University BuildingSt Paul’s Street, Valletta VLT 14216 Tel.: +356 2123 41 21/2 Ext. 217Fax: +356 2124 82 18E-mail: ctc@mus.com.mtwww.mus.com.mt

Netherlands Ministerie van VROM – DG Milieu Directie

Strategie en Bestuur Afdeling Economie en

TechnologieMr Akshay Patki 8, Rijnstraat P.O Box 30945, 2500 GX Th e Hague Tel.: +31 70 339 4746Fax: +31 70 339 1302Akshay.Patki@minvrom.nlwww.vrom.nl

Poland Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation Ms Joanna Węgrzycka ul. w. Krzyża 5/6, 31-028 Kraków Tel.: +48 12 422 50 88, 430 24 65 Fax.: +48 12 429 47 25 jwegrzycka@epce.org.plwww.epce.org.pl

Romania Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation Mr Laszlo Potozky Fundatia pentru Partenariat530120 Miercurea Ciuc,Str. Arsenalului 13,Tel.: +40 266 31 06 78 Fax: +40 266 31 06 86 laszlop@repf.rowww.repf.ro/ebaen.htm

Slovakia ASPEK – Association of Industrial Ecology in

Slovakia Mr Pavel Jech (Director General) Mlynské Nivy 48, 821 09 Bratislava Tel.: +421 2 5341 1420 Fax: +421 2 5823 9376 mail@aspek.sk www.aspek.sk

Slovenia Časnik FinanceMr Peter NovakPod kostanji 8, Sl-1000 LjubljanaTel.: +386 1 429 20 30 Fax:+386 1 429 20 35peter.novak@energotech.si www.fi nance.si

Časnik FinanceMs Barbara ŠkrinjarDalmatinova 2, SI-1000 LjubljanaTel.: + 386 1 30 91 594Fax: + 386 1 30 91 545barabara.skrinjar@fi nance.sihttp://www.fi nance-akademija.si/nagrade

Spain Fundacion Entorno-BCSD EspañaMs Inés Ruiz de AranaC/ Monte Esquinza, 30. Piso 6°, dcha., 28010 MadridTel.: + 34 91 575 63 94Fax: + 34 91 575 77 13ines.ruizdearana@fundacionentorno.orgentorno@fundacionentorno.org www.fundacionentorno.org

Sweden Nutek, Swedish Agency for Economic and

Regional GrowthMr Göran UebelDeputy Head of DevelopmentBox 4044,SE-102 61, StockholmTel.: +46 8 681 9375Fax: +46 8 19 68 26Mobile: +46 70 62 63 765 goran.uebel@nutek.se www.nutek.se

Turkey Th e Regional Environmental Center – Country

Offi ce TurkeyMr Kerem OkumuIlkbahar Mah. 15. Cad. 296. Sok. 8, 06550 Yıldız AnkaraTel.: +90 312 491 95 30Fax: +90 312 491 95 40kerem.okumus@rec.org.tr www.rec.org.tr - www.abcevreodulleri.info

UK RSA Environmental Awards ForumMr Simon Fordham OBEDirector8 John Adam StreetLondon WC2N 6EZTel.: +44 1373 812278Fax.: +44 7850 197984www.theRSA.org

DEFRA – Environment, Business and Consumers

DivisionMr Chris Th omasSCP GroupZone 5/CErgon HouseHorseferry RoadLondon SW1P 2ALTel.: +44 207 238 4456chris.thomas@defra.gsi.gov.ukwww.defra.gov.uk

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