The Environment Agency has unveiled a month-long initiative, designed to recognise British businesses driving ‘green growth’.

The aim of the ‘Greener Business Showcase’, which began yesterday (10 September), is to reward SMEs, entrepreneurs and other businesses that actively take steps to reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment.

According to a report conducted on the Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services (LCEGS) sector by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the UK’s green economy grew by £5.4 billion in 2011. The Environment Agency says that this is indicative of a ‘sea-change’ in attitudes among businesses towards more sustainable development.

Organisations commended in the initiative so far include:

• Henry Orchard & Sons scrap material processors in Cornwall for improving energy efficiency and reducing waste;
• Lafarge Cement Works in Staffordshire for reducing their carbon footprint and fossil fuel use;
• Shasun Pharma Solutions in Northumberland for reducing its impact on the environment through better waste management;
• and Noble Foods for reducing waste and optimising the efficiency of its transport.

The Environment Agency intend to follow up the showcase with the publication of their own Greener Business Report, which will examine in greater detail the environmental performance of regulated businesses across England and Wales.

Lord Chris Smith, Chairman of the Environment Agency, emphasised the importance of continued growth in the UK’s green economy: 'Whilst current economic circumstances prioritise a focus on profitability, it is essential that businesses strive for growth that is truly sustainable. ‘Green’ and ‘growth’ are both essential elements of economic and social recovery. We cannot opt for either in isolation.

'The shift in business attitudes towards green growth is remarkable and very welcome. We want to recognise the organisations, from individual entrepreneurs to global industries, striving for leaner, more efficient and less wasteful economic development…By seizing opportunities to reduce their burden on the natural environment and develop the products and services needed to adjust to climate change and environmental challenges, these organisations are setting an outstanding example.'

A number of larger organisations – including the Carbon Trust, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), Defra and DECC – will also be supporting the initiative through debate and discussion across a number of social media channels.

Businesses are being encouraged to join in by sharing examples of best practice on the Environment Agency’s Facebook page and tweeting stories and advice for others using the hash tag #greenerbusiness on Twitter.

Discussions will focus on a different theme each week, beginning with waste management, before continuing with water management on 17 September (to coincide with the announcement of the biannual UK Water Efficiency Awards), and concluding with energy efficiency on 24 September.