"The finalists in this year’s European Business Awards for the Environment clearly demonstrate that taking a green approach can make a major difference to their profitability and to our common good through innovative and sustainable eco-technologies and processes." said Janez Potočnik Commissioner for the Environment.
The five winners represent large corporations and SMEs, old and new Member States, and sectors from retail to energy to material engineering. Most of the applicants were SMEs. The greatest number of entries (62) was in the newly introduced “business and biodiversity” category. They were selected from a shortlist of 14 candidates from nine European countries and wide-ranging economic sectors. They are companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance.
"The Europe 2020 Strategy recently adopted by the Commission follows the same line of thought, recognizing that a better environment matters not only for the quality of life of citizens, but also for the economy. The strategy will help prepare businesses for the long-term challenges of resource efficiency and sustainable growth, and it will do this with economic incentives that promote true innovation and creativity." concluded Janez Potočnik Commissioner for the Environment.
