Top green accolade for Larne organisations

Larne Council, Kilwaughter Chemical Company and AES Ballylumford reached Quintile one level in the annual survey of corporate environmental management and performance, carried out by Business in the Community’s ARENA Network campaign and supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Elaine Smith of Larne Council also received the George Dawson Highly Commended Certificate for her outstanding environmental work.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood, who gave the keynote address congratulating all participants for their leadership and achievement, said: “One of the most effective ways of achieving progress is by business and government working together. That is why I am pleased that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is entering into a three year strategic partnership with Business in the Community to build on its work with ARENA and its members.” “The ARENA Network Survey is strategically important for businesses and the public sector because it challenges all of us to do the right thing to protect our environment while delivering clear business benefits for participants.”

ARENA will continue to widen the net and encourage companies outside the top 200 to participate in benchmarking, to start making improvements and realise the gains this approach brings.

Peter Dixon, ARENA Network chairman said: “This year, the survey was made even more robust and results prove that businesses here are leading the way in terms of environmental improvement and performance management.

“Given the difficult economic conditions, the fact that environmental savings often translate into business savings is arguably one factor that is helping drive continued environmental and improved business performance.”

Any business interested in taking part next year can email [email protected] at the ARENA Network. For more information, visit www.arenani.org.uk