DEBI Awards rewards green initiatives

Exeter businesses and schools picked up the lion’s share of awards at the 22nd DEBI Environmental Awards held at the Met Office.

The annual event seeks to recognise organisations that go the extra mile in environmental best practice.

DEBI Chairman, Andy Vickery said, “We were thrilled to have so much interest in the awards this year. It is always inspiring to realise that there continues to be so much commitment to the environment in the region.

The winners were chosen after an exhaustive process that included visits by the judges to each of the shortlisted candidates, and three Exeter contenders picked up awards, including the Overall Winner accolade.

“As always, it was quite a challenge to make the decision, with so many businesses and organisations clearly demonstrating their commitment to the environment,” explained Andy.

The award winners were:

Sustainable Food, Retail, Hospitality & Leisure: The Real Food Store, Exeter
Sustainable Ethos: Bike Bank, Exeter
Environmental Education: St Sidwells C of E Primary School and Nursery, Exeter
Green Goods and Services, sponsored by South West Water: Twool, Ashburton
Environmental Champion, sponsored by Environment Agency and JP Associates: Brian O’ Brien, Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Exmouth

The Overall Winner for 2014, sponsored by Bandvulc, was Exeter’s The Real Food Store. The judges said that this community venture was a ‘radical concept in a high street dominated by chains’. They were impressed by the ethos running through the whole initiative, not only in the provision of providing ethical and local food, but also in waste management and recycling.

The judges were also keen to highlight the efforts of staff and pupils at St Sidwells, winner of the Environmental Education category, who do an amazing job on a shoestring budget to help the environment.

“We would like to offer congratulations to all of our finalists and winners, who are proof that the Devon community continues to lead the way in championing the environmental agenda in the most genuine and creative ways,” said Andy.

The Board of DEBI would also like to thank the category sponsors and the many businesses who have supported this year’s awards: The Met Office, Lloyds Banking Group, Haines Watts Accountants, Brightsea Print Group, The Una Group, National Marine Aquarium, Daneswood, Inspirations, and Pebblebed Vineyards.