BCE Environmental Leadership Awards

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jul 3, 2008

Green Building Store's Ecoplus System window and door range was awarded a 'Major Commendation' in the BCE Environmental Leadership Awards

at ceremony presented by Pat McFadden, Minister of State for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs in London.

The BCE Environmental Leadership Awards are the easiest to enter and the hardest to win.

Winners had to overcome a record number of entrants to this year's awards and meet the approval of the BCE technical panel - made up of distinguished representatives of UK commerce.

Green Building Store's Ecoplus System has been developed to systematically address issues of environmental impact in window manufacture, including CO2 emissions, resource use (sustainable timber) and health.

It has been at the cutting edge of sustainable window design since its launch in 1995.

Firstly, it pioneered the use of safer, boron-based, timber preservatives in window manufacture in the UK.

In 1995, Ecoplus was also at the forefront of the use of low-emissivity double or triple glazing - far in excess of the requirements of Building Regulations.

In 2005, Ecoplus was the first range of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) 100% certified timber windows and glazed doors to be manufactured in the UK.

Other construction companies to receive Major Commendations include: Bovis Lend Lease for its recyclable construction plastic board and Land Securities for its sustainable property development strategy.

Innocent Drinks was the overall winner, receiving the Sir Peter Parker Award (named after the founder of the BCE Awards) for its work in developing a 100% recycled plastic bottle.

Pat McFadden said, in support of the Awards and what they stand for: "We want the UK to be at the forefront of economic development going hand-in-hand with the needs of the planet - offering attractive investment markets and delivering the most cost-effective solutions possible".

"And I strongly believe we have the ideas, commitment and expertise to succeed".

"It's evident in the innovation, talent and hard-work recognised here".

"Awards such as these are critical to both inspire and promote that work - increasing UK business share in these emerging markets and meeting growing consumer demand".

The application process for the 2009 BCE Awards is now open.

Any company that feels it deserves recognition for its outstanding environmental excellence and leadership should download an application form from the BCE Awards website and send it in before the closing date of 3 October 2008.