Council honoured with top ‘Green’ award

Banbridge District Council has been lauded with a top environmental award at this year’s 14th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey results launch.

The council achieved the highest ‘platinum’ status in the survey and was one of only 13 companies and organisation out of a total of 129 to be honoured with the highest ‘green’ accolade.

The survey, carried out by ARENA Network and supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, annually assesses top businesses in Northern Ireland for environmental management, performance and assurance.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood commended all participants for their leadership and achievement and said the survey was an “important measure” for businesses and public sector organisations as they develop a stronger economy.

“This year the ARENA Network Survey has produced a high average score with the top performing sectors being those that have the greatest potential to impact the environment,” said Mr Attwood. “It shows that participants are taking appropriate measures in order to reduce their environmental impacts and improve their efficiency.

“The ARENA Network Survey is an important measure for businesses and public sector organisations as they develop a stronger economy. ARENA Network continues every year in its efforts to encourage companies to take part in benchmarking and realise true business benefits.”

Stepping down from Chair of ARENA Network after five years, Phoenix Chief Peter Dixon, added, “As Chair of ARENA Network, I’m delighted to have witnessed the continued commitment and leadership from Northern Ireland’s leading responsible businesses to the environmental agenda.

“For those companies who are already taking the environment seriously, I would encourage them to keep up their good work. For those not yet involved, I would urge them to get in touch with the ARENA Network team and discover the benefits for themselves.”

Joining Banbridge District Council at the top of the leaderboard were Belfast Harbour, Seagate Technology (Ireland), Bombardier Aerospace, Clarehill Plastics Ltd, John Graham (Dromore) Ltd, Larne Borough Council, Farrans (Construction) Ltd, IKEA Belfast, Royal Mail, BT, Northern Ireland Assembly and Translink.