Devon Environmental Awards 2016 launch

The Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Awards are now open for entry.

The awards are open to any organisation of any size in the Devon region, and encompass business, community and education.

All entrants need to do is show how their organisation is committed to operating in environmentally friendly ways, whether through day to day operations or a specific green initiative. Entry is free, and all shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend a free awards event at the Met Office later in the year.

The 2016 awards were officially launched at Higher Wiscombe Holiday Cottages in Southleigh, which last year won the ’Enjoyed in Devon’ category. Higher Wiscombe owner, Alistair Handyside, said: “We thoroughly recommend entering the DEBI Awards. From the self-analysis of what’s green about your business as you fill in the entry form, to the wonderful feedback during the judging process, all leading to the leading annual green event in the South West, the DEBI Awards night at the MET Office.

“It helped us look at our business’s eco credentials and the judges input was invaluable.”

Other 2015 winners included Ostlers Cider Mill, Devon Wildlife Trust and, in the first ever Members Award, City College Plymouth. The overall winner was Stallcombe House Farm.

The categories this year are: Enjoyed in Devon, Sustainable in Devon, Retail, Educated in Devon, Public Service in Devon and Environmental Champion, as well as the DEBI Member Award Organisations can enter as many categories as they wish.

DEBI Chair, Pete Morgan from Paignton Zoo said: “Every year we are astounded at the standard of entries we receive, showing just how much people in Devon are committed to green initiatives in business, community and education.

“We visit every shortlisted entry, and the winners are judged not on size or turnover, but on passion and commitment. These awards are a real celebration of Devon’s green initiatives.”

If you think your organisation has something green to shout about, download an entry form at www.debi-online.org.uk