Surrey Sustainable Business Awards

The Surrey Sustainable Business Awards rewards companies and organisations who demonstrate sustainability within its business activities. The Council has received a commendation for its approach to waste, energy, transport and water management and its green purchasing policies.

Following an audit at the Councils Millmead offices, changes to internal recycling systems led to an increase in office paper recovered from 6% in 2000 to around 40% during 2002. The Council receives an income from selling this paper on and reduces its disposal costs by reducing, reusing and recycling its waste. In addition, it has set up internal recycling systems through its Green Champions for plastics, metal and mixed paper.

The Council is also pursuing energy efficiency by managing its energy, gas and water bills more effectively to reduce cost and consumption. It has recently signed up to a contract for 64% of its electricity to be from a green or renewable source which is cheaper than its previous electricity supply.

Guildford Heritage & Environment Awards

The Council's Ecohouse and virtual house were joint winners of the Environmental Sustainability Category.

Green Apple Awards

Guildford’s Virtual Ecohouse has won a Green Apple Award.  The award will be presented on 6 November 2003.