At the inaugural East Anglia Clean & Green Awards, the Project of the Year award and the Sustainable Workplace of the Year award will celebrate local businesses that are working together to support both the environment and the community.

The judges for these two categories explain why they are eager to get to know this year’s entrants.

Project of the Year - sponsored by Stowen Group

Award criteria

The judges will be looking for a project that makes a substantial, positive impact on the environment. Innovation, community involvement and scalability will be key factors when choosing the winner.

Entries should demonstrate measurable, long-term environmental benefits and serve as an example for future initiatives.

Kane Ford is general manager at Stowen GroupKane Ford is general manager at Stowen Group (Image: Stowen)

Meet Kane Ford, general manager at Stowen Group

Can you tell us a bit about your career to date?

I started off at Stowen with the intention of being an offshore technician. A turn of events, however, saw me sitting in the position of a storeman, and from there I organically grew alongside the company through various departments to my current standing as general manager.

Why were you keen to get involved in the Clean & Green Awards?

Because I believe collaboration is the key driver for net zero. The Clean & Green Awards offer an opportunity for collaboration. Whether between project teams themselves or collaborative efforts within a certain industry to nurture talent, there are multiple layers, but collaboration is always at the heart of it

What do you bring to the judging process?

I believe my career journey to date has enabled me to participate in many areas of this industry, and this will help to perhaps see how projects could have a direct impact on their objectives and also indirectly on other areas.

What will you be looking for in the winner?

Someone that thinks outside the box. Innovation is another key driver, along with collaboration within the business’ industry.

Stowen delivers comprehensive project management solutions to the energy sectorStowen delivers comprehensive project management solutions to the energy sector (Image: Stowen)

What advice would you give to anyone that’s considering entering?

Be confident in your idea but be willing to acknowledge advice along your project journey. You will inevitably run ideas past people, and acknowledging feedback could be key to tweaks or even complete overhauls that turn out your best work.

Why should those entering be able to demonstrate community and/or industry involvement?

Again, this goes back to the importance of collaboration. This needs to be drilled in from the outset at an industry level, as there is so much more potential to develop a greener future when collaboration takes place.

Sustainable Workplace of the Year - sponsored by Indigo Swan

Award criteria

The judges will be looking for a workplace that has effectively integrated sustainable practices into its daily operations.

Innovation, employee engagement and measurable environmental benefits will be key factors. The potential for scalability and adoption by other organisations will also be considered.

Aimee Konieczny is commercial director at Indigo SwanAimee Konieczny is commercial director at Indigo Swan (Image: Indigo Swan)

Meet Aimee Konieczny, commercial director at Indigo Swan

Why were you keen to get involved in the Clean & Green Awards?

East Anglia has a massive opportunity to be at the forefront of net zero and pushing the sustainability agenda forward.

These inaugural regional awards will recognise best practice and bring together inspirational businesses who are embracing the challenges and thriving as a result.

What do you bring to the judging process?

Energy and sustainability are my passion, and I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible work and projects happening across the region.

My industry background and 16 years of experience will help me assess which projects have provided the biggest impacts to their businesses.

Have you ever been judged for an award yourself?

Indigo Swan have been fortunate to be judged for many awards over the years, so we understand the nerves and excitement!

Putting yourself ‘out there’ to be judged by your peers is scary, but we know the experience is worth it. Sharing positive business developments is fun!

What advice would you give to anyone that’s considering entering?

Be brave and do it! Take the opportunity to show off your business and your commitment to improving sustainability.

Try not to overthink the judging process and focus on the positive impact that your firm is bringing to the region.

Why is innovation an important judging consideration for this award?

Innovation is essential for growth and development. Without it your business stands still and loses ground to your competitors. It is also needed to drive sustainability forward and help us achieve net zero goals.

Without innovation, our businesses, communities and planet suffer.

Entries for the East Anglia Clean & Green Awards 2025 close at midnight on Sunday, December 15. To enter, visit cleanandgreenawards.co.uk

To find out more about the awards, please click here.