27 of Suffolk’s most environmentally passionate individuals, businesses and schools have been shortlisted for the county’s ‘Green Oscars’. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 17 July.

Judges for Suffolk’s Creating the Greenest County Awards have narrowed down over 120 nominations, to recognise those who make Suffolk a better place for its residents and its wildlife. This year’s finalists are spread across Suffolk from Haverhill to Lowestoft, Felixstowe to Newmarket and include schools, cafes, community groups and volunteers.

In the spirit of being green, the awards ceremony itself will be a carbon-balanced event. Organisers are minimising carbon emissions as much as possible, encouraging attendees to consider sustainable travel options and providing catering which is fully vegan. Residual carbon emissions will then be calculated and offset by working with the World Land Trust, which supports impactful conversation projects.

Councillor Richard Rout, cabinet member for Environment and Public Protection at Suffolk County Council, said:

“I hope that Suffolk is as proud as I am, of the hundreds of people represented at this year’s awards. The council declared a climate emergency in March and it reassures me to know that Suffolk is full of people ready to support our ambitious targets and to help us become the Greenest County. I’m looking forward to meeting them at the event.

“I’d like to thank all those who were nominated and encourage you to keep doing what you do. From businesses which are investing thousands of pounds in clean energy, to individuals who pick up a piece of plastic litter and put it in the bin, you are all making a positive difference to protect our environment.”

Benedict Orchard, Environmental Sustainability Manager for Adnams, who are the main sponsors of the awards, said:

“As a company rooted in the heart of Suffolk, we take great pride in sponsoring the awards, in particular the ‘Creating the Greenest County Local Food & Drink’ award. We continue to be amazed at the innovative brilliance shown by Suffolk companies in achieving sustainable operations. We were recently recognised nationally for our sustainable impact with a Footprint award for Energy Efficiency, so we understand the importance of recognition and its ability to strengthen sustainable actions.”

The awards event will feature a keynote speech from Asher Minns, Executive Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia.

The Awards are sponsored by Adnams, BEE Anglia, Barnes Construction, East Suffolk Internal Drainage Board, Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Limited, New Anglia LEP, Suffolk Waste Partnership, University of Suffolk and Vertas. The awards are in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk, Snape Maltings, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Shortlisted finalists

Enhancing Biodiversity and Landscape:

  • Suffolk Wildlife Trust (Carlton Marshes) 
  • E. J. Barker & Sons 

Green Hero

  • Jason Alexander 
  • John Popely 

Greenest Business:

  • Precision Marketing Group
  • Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf and Spa 

Greenest Community:

  • GreenSnape Community Group
  • The Shed

Greenest Product or Service:

  • Tools with a Mission
  • Where Does It Come From?

Greenest School:

  • The Ashley School Academy Trust
  • Tattingstone CEVCP School 
  • Birchwood Primary School 

Greenest Small Business:

  • The Greenhouse Cafe
  • Amarinth Ltd 

Local Energy:

  • Monks Eleigh Village Hall 
  • The Schools’ Energy Co-operative 

Local Food and Drink:

  • Birchwood Primary School 
  • The Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm 

Sustainable Building:

  • OBee CIC
  • John and Sarah Barrett 

Sustainable Travel:

  • Smarter Travel Limited 
  • EV Driver Ltd 

Valuing Water:

  • OBee CIC 
  • Alde Garden 

Waste Reduction and Recycling:

  • Cupboard Love 
  • Rubbish Walks CIC 

Find out more about the awards @greensuffolk or www.greensuffolk.org