The finalists have been announced for the Environmental and Sustainability Award, sponsored by Norse Group, at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2023.
This category recognises businesses that can demonstrate a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint through innovative and sustainable practices.
CeraPhi Energy
CeraPhi Energy in Great Yarmouth was founded by a group of oil and gas professionals who have developed a solution to generate vast amounts of energy through the extraction of heat from deep below the earth’s surface. This is achieved using deep wells drilled by oil and gas companies at the end of their productive life.
The judges praised CeraPhi’s “great initiative and innovation with new technologies” along with its continued growth.
They said the company “will be a leader in this field with a new and previously untapped resource” and said they look forward to seeing how it will develop its environmental impact and sustainability even further over the next few years.
Delta Fire
Formed in 1990, Delta Fire in Norwich has grown to become a globally recognised designer, manufacturer and supplier of specialist front-line firefighting products used by professional firefighters around the world.
The company has developed strong distribution networks across Europe and the wider world, and in recent years it has invested millions of pounds towards becoming carbon neutral by 2025.
Noting the business’ “very clear defined strategy and vision”, the judges said that Delta Fire is “taking a very leading and proactive role in its net zero journey”. They felt that “the whole business was very aligned to a single vision” and had an ambitious approach.
Holkham Estate
The Holkham Estate is a 25,000-acre rural estate located on the north Norfolk coastline comprising a range of businesses including the 18th century Holkham Hall, cafes, a holiday park, hotel and restaurant. It also runs land-based businesses which are all collaboratively managed to maximise sustainable food production and biodiversity.
In order to improve sustainability, the estate has also invested in ground and air source heat pumps, plus solar installations across the estate.
The judges called Holkham a “great business that offers such opportunity in sustainable agriculture and estate management”.
They praised the “significant” work that has been done towards sustainability through consultation with the employees and tenant farmers.
SaxonAir
Based in Norwich, SaxonAir is a leading aviation company committed to revolutionising air travel with sustainable and innovative solutions.
Eco-friendly practices are ingrained in the core of everything SaxonAir does. It actively engages in carbon-offsetting initiatives including tree planting and carbon-removal projects, and holds a seat on the Business Climate Leaders Board.
Recognising that, historically, aviation has always been a “major contributor” to carbon emissions, the judges had high praise for SaxonAir as a business that “has really taken up the mantle to be net zero”.
They commended the way the business has engaged with clients to implement sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and electric aircraft.
The winner of the Environmental and Sustainability Award will be revealed at the EDP Business Awards celebration event on Thursday, November 23. For more information or to buy tickets, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk
To see the finalists in all categories, click here.
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