At the awards, earlier this month, 12 companies received recognition for their achievements with Richard Lambert, Director-General of the CBI presenting the awards to the winners.

Bovis Lend Lease scooped the top prize, the Sir Peter Parker Award, while Premier Awards were bestowed upon Pfizer, Toyota Manufacturing UK, Sainsbury’s with NCR and River Dart Country Park.

Major commendations were presented to InterfaceFLOR, BaxterStory, ScottishPower Renewables, Robert Wiseman Dairies, Camira Fabrics, Marshalls and Seacourt.

Founded by Sir Peter Parker in 1975, the BCE Awards scheme is one of the world’s longest running environmental award schemes.

It celebrates businesses that the BCE independent judging panel recognises as meeting the commercial demands of the present, without compromising the environment for future generations.

This year’s winners join a prestigious list of previous BCE Award holders including Innocent Drinks, ASDA, Unilever, M&S, Rolls Royce, Ford Motor Co and the Co-operative Group.

Praising this year’s winners, BCE president Sir Anthony Cleaver, commented: “Never in BCE’s 35-year history has UK business faced greater economic challenges.

“This year’s BCE Award winners must surely be congratulated, they should be very proud of their outstanding achievements and held up as shining examples of how improved environmental performance can deliver significant business benefits.”

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe