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Sponsored by Clarksons Port Services

The judges will be seeking a campaign that has effectively driven positive behaviour change in relation to sustainability. Innovation, audience engagement, and measurable changes in behaviour will be key factors. The potential for the campaign to be adapted for wider audiences will also be considered.

Criteria:

1. Impact on Behaviour: How has your campaign effectively encouraged sustainable behaviour change? Provide examples.

2. Innovation in Campaigning: What creative or innovative strategies did you use to drive this behaviour change?

3. Audience Reach and Engagement: How well did your campaign engage and reach its target audience?

4. Scalability: Can your behaviour change campaign be adapted for other regions or audiences? How?

5. Measurable Behavioural Outcomes: What measurable changes in behaviour have resulted from your campaign?

The judges will be looking for an individual, group, or organization that has made an exceptional contribution to sustainability within their community. The winner should demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to creating positive environmental change at the local level. The ability to inspire and engage others in sustainability efforts will be a key factor.

Criteria:

1. Community Impact: How has the nominee’s actions improved sustainability within their community? What lasting changes have been made?

2. Leadership and Initiative: In what ways has the nominee demonstrated leadership and initiative in promoting sustainability?

3. Engagement and Collaboration: How has the nominee inspired or involved others in their sustainability efforts?

4. Innovation: What creative or unique approaches has the nominee used to address environmental challenges?

5. Measurable Outcomes: Can you provide examples or data that show the tangible impact of the nominee’s work?

Sponsored by GENERATE

This award recognises a business or individual who is leading the way in energy innovation, sustainability, and leadership across the East of England. Whether through groundbreaking projects, outstanding advocacy, or long-term commitment to decarbonisation and clean energy, the winner will be someone making a measurable difference in the journey toward a net zero future. 

Open to those across all sectors — from clean tech startups and large-scale energy providers to educators, engineers, farmers, and local authorities — this award celebrates champions who are driving meaningful change in the way energy is generated, consumed, and understood in the region. 

Applicants should demonstrate not only the environmental impact of their work, but also how they are influencing, educating, or inspiring others to think differently about energy. 

Criteria: 

1. Leadership in Energy and Sustainability: Clear demonstration of leadership in reducing energy use, transitioning to renewables, or advancing sustainable practices within their organisation or community. 

2. Innovation and Impact: Development or application of new technologies, methods, or business models that have led to measurable reductions in emissions or improvements in energy efficiency. 

3. Regional Influence: Contribution to the energy landscape of the East of England — whether through projects, partnerships, or initiatives that benefit the wider region. 

4. Inspiration and Advocacy: Efforts to engage, educate or influence others — such as employees, customers, supply chains, or communities — around clean energy or sustainability issues. 

5. Scalability and Future Potential: The potential for the work or approach to be scaled, replicated, or to lead to further environmental, social, or economic benefit in the future. 

Sponsored by East Coast Energy Training Academy

The judges will be looking for programs that effectively raise awareness and promote sustainability through education, training, or communication. Innovation, engagement, and measurable outcomes in knowledge or behaviour change will be key factors. Entries should have the potential for wider reach and scalability.

Criteria:

1. Impact on Awareness: How does your program raise awareness about sustainability or environmental issues?

2. Innovative Approach: What innovative or creative methods does your program use to engage and educate?

3. Scalability and Reach: Can your program be scaled or adapted to reach a larger audience? How?

4. Engagement: How does your program actively involve and engage its audience in learning or taking action?

5. Tangible Learning Outcomes: What measurable outcomes or behavioural changes have resulted from your program?

Sponsored by National Grid

The judges will be looking for innovations that significantly enhance energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption. The winning entry should demonstrate a novel and scalable approach with measurable results in reducing environmental impact, while actively engaging key stakeholders.

Criteria:

1. Impact on Energy Efficiency: How does your innovation reduce energy consumption or improve energy efficiency?

2 Innovation: What makes your energy innovation unique or groundbreaking?

3. Scalability: Can your innovation be scaled or applied across other industries or regions? If so, how?

4. Stakeholder Engagement: How have you involved energy providers, consumers, or other stakeholders in this innovation?

5. Measurable Outcomes: What measurable improvements in energy consumption or renewable energy use can you demonstrate?

The judges will be looking for a truly disruptive innovation that has transformed the sustainability landscape. The winning entry should demonstrate significant environmental benefits, scalability, and the potential for widespread adoption. Clear, measurable outcomes and collaboration with key stakeholders will be key factors.

Criteria:

1. Disruptive Innovation: How does your innovation significantly disrupt or transform the sustainability landscape?

2. Environmental Impact: What measurable environmental benefits has your innovation delivered?

3. Scalability: How can your innovation be scaled or adopted across different sectors or regions?

4. Stakeholder Collaboration: How have you collaborated with industry leaders, governments, or communities in developing or implementing your innovation?

5. Measurable Change: What quantifiable improvements or changes have occurred as a result of your innovation?

Sponsored by Ørsted 

The judges will be seeking an organisation that has made significant progress toward achieving net zero emissions. Innovation, measurable carbon reductions, and collaboration with partners will be key factors. The scalability and potential for other organisations to adopt similar strategies will also be considered.

Criteria:

1. Achievement of Net Zero Goals: How close is your organisation to achieving net zero emissions, or how have you maintained it?

2. Innovation in Emission Reduction: What innovative approaches have you taken to reduce or offset carbon emissions?

3. Scalability: Can your net zero strategies be adopted by other organisations or sectors? Please explain.

4. Collaboration and Engagement: How have you collaborated with stakeholders or partners to achieve your net zero goals?

5. Measurable Carbon Reductions: What measurable reductions in emissions or offsets have you achieved to progress toward net zero?

Sponsored by ABP

The judges will be looking for a project that makes a substantial, positive impact on the environment. Innovation, community involvement, and scalability will be key factors. Entries should demonstrate measurable, long-term environmental benefits and serve as an example for future initiatives.

Criteria:

1. Environmental Impact: How does your project make a significant positive impact on the environment?

2. Project Innovation: What innovative and unique approaches does your project employ to address environmental issues?

3. Community/Industry Involvement: How have you engaged local communities or industries in your sustainability efforts?

4. Scalability and Longevity: Can your project be replicated or scaled for greater impact? How?

5. Measurable Outcomes: What are the measurable, tangible results from your project’s implementation?

Sponsored by Indigo Swan

The judges will be looking for a workplace that has effectively integrated sustainable practices into its daily operations. Innovation, employee engagement, and measurable environmental benefits will be key factors. The potential for scalability and adoption by other organisations will be considered.

Criteria:

1. Sustainability Practices: What specific sustainability practices have you integrated into your daily workplace operations?

2. Innovation in the Workplace: What unique or creative approaches have you used to improve workplace sustainability?

3. Employee Engagement: How have you engaged your employees in sustainability initiatives or programs?

4. Scalability: Can your workplace sustainability practices be adopted by other organisations? If so, how?

5. Measurable Environmental Benefits: What measurable improvements in workplace sustainability can you provide?

Sponsored by Associated British Ports

The judges will be seeking a project or strategy that excels in reducing or offsetting carbon emissions. Innovation, measurable carbon reductions, and the potential for the strategy to be scaled or replicated elsewhere will be key factors. Collaboration with stakeholders will strengthen the entry.

Criteria:

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction: How has your initiative reduced or offset carbon emissions? Provide specific figures or data.

2. Strategy Innovation: What innovative strategies have you used to address carbon emissions or sustainability?

3. Scalability and Feasibility: Can your strategy be replicated or scaled for broader application? If so, how?

4. Collaboration: How have you partnered with stakeholders or communities to achieve your sustainability goals?

5. Measurable Carbon Reductions: What measurable reductions in carbon emissions or sustainability improvements can you demonstrate?

The judges will be seeking a company or initiative that has successfully integrated sustainability into its supply chain. Innovation, collaboration with partners, and the long-term impact of the changes made will be key. The scalability of the model and measurable improvements in sustainability will also be assessed. 

Criteria: 

1. Sustainability in Supply Chain: How have you integrated sustainability into your supply chain processes? 

2. Innovation in Supply Chain Management: What innovative strategies have you implemented to reduce the environmental impact of your supply chain? 

3. Scalability: Can your sustainability model be expanded to other businesses or regions? How? 

4. Collaboration with Partners: How do you collaborate with suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders to achieve sustainability goals? 

5. Long-Term Impact: What measurable and lasting improvements in supply chain sustainability can you demonstrate? 

Sponsored by Pier Marketing

This category recognises outstanding early-stage businesses in East Anglia that demonstrate strong commercial viability alongside meaningful environmental impact. 

Eligibility Criteria Entrants must meet all of the following: 

Age of Business - The business must have been operational for less than five (5) years as of 1 January 2027. For clarity, only businesses established on or after 1 January 2022 are eligible. The date of establishment will be determined by official registration (e.g. Companies House incorporation date) or equivalent. Location The business must be based in or primarily operating within East Anglia. 

Environmental Focus - The core business activity or offering must contribute positively to environmental sustainability, such as: Carbon reduction Waste reduction or circular economy Renewable energy or clean technology Sustainable products/services Biodiversity or conservation initiatives Judging Criteria Entries will be assessed against the following: 

Criteria:

1. Strength of Business Model- Clear and viable revenue model Evidence of customer demand and market fit Scalability and growth potential Financial sustainability (e.g. revenue growth, funding, profitability or path to profitability) 

2. Environmental Impact - Measurable environmental benefits achieved to date Clarity of environmental objectives and outcomes Innovation in addressing environmental challenges Alignment with recognised sustainability principles or frameworks 

3. Innovation & Differentiation -Unique approach, product, or service Competitive advantage within the market Use of new technologies or novel methods 

4. Traction & Progress - Key milestones achieved since launch Partnerships, contracts, or customer growth Evidence of momentum and future pipeline 

5. Leadership & Vision - Strength and credibility of the leadership team Clear long-term vision for business growth and environmental impact.

Sponsored by RUK

The judges will be looking for an apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, achievement, and personal development throughout their apprenticeship. The winner should showcase a strong work ethic, a passion for learning, and a positive contribution to their workplace, colleagues, and the wider business. Evidence of growth, initiative, and the ability to overcome challenges will be key factors in determining the winner. 

Eligibility Criteria: Entrants must be 16 years old or above. If chosen as a finalist and under the age of 18 years old, they must attend the awards ceremony with a parent, guardian or givegiver that 18 or more years old.

Criteria:

1. Apprenticeship Achievement - How has the nominee excelled in their apprenticeship programme? What qualifications, skills, or milestones have they successfully achieved? 

2. Personal Development and Growth - In what ways has the nominee developed professionally and personally during their apprenticeship? How have they embraced learning opportunities and applied new skills? 

3. Initiative and Contribution -How has the nominee gone above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities? What positive impact have they had on their team, workplace, or organisation? 

4. Commitment and Attitude-How has the nominee demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to their role and development? How do they serve as a positive role model for others? 

5. Measurable Impact and Future Potential - Can you provide examples, achievements, or feedback that demonstrate the nominee’s impact and success? How do they show strong potential for future career growth and continued excellence? 

Sponsored by ScottishPower Renewables

This non-entry category celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to advancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and net zero initiatives in East Anglia. The winner may come from any sector and will have demonstrated leadership in promoting and implementing clean and green practices. 

Judges will select someone who is a recognised expert or leader in their field, with a proven track record of driving real change, inspiring others, and setting high environmental standards. This award honours a person who not only champions sustainable practices in their own organisation or community but also helps move the wider region toward a cleaner, greener future. 

This award winner will be selected by a panel of judges based on their expertise and industry insight. 

Criteria: 

1. Contribution to Sustainability and Net Zero: Demonstrated impact in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, or advancing environmental sustainability within their sector or community. 

2. Knowledge and Advocacy: Deep understanding of sustainable practices, renewable energy, or environmental policy — and a clear commitment to sharing this knowledge to influence others. 

3. Contribution to Society and the Region: Efforts that have benefited East Anglia more broadly, such as community projects, education, infrastructure improvements, or environmental restoration. 

4. Career Highlights and Innovation: A track record of initiatives, projects, or innovations that have delivered measurable environmental benefits or showcased leadership in green thinking. 

5. Commitment to People and the Future:  Investment in the next generation — through training, mentoring, outreach, or workforce development — to build skills and capacity for a sustainable future.