Every year, the Mayor of London hosts a Green Awards event for companies that have joined the city’s Green500 scheme, set up to encourage the corporate community to cut carbon.

Initially established to work with giants of the business world, the scheme now encompasses smaller firms too and is administered by the Carbon Trust.

Among the winners was Cosmopolitan publisher National Magazines Company that recycles almost two thirds of its waste and have encouraged staff engagement through inspiring programmes such as bee keeping at hives on its offices’ green roof.

Local authorities were praised for their work too, such as a scheme from Islington Borough Council that has had a green refit at many of the buildings it owns including 20 of its schools, cutting energy bills by over £60,000.

Speaking at the event Boris Johnson said: “Not only have these companies collectively made massive strides in becoming more energy efficient and cutting carbon, they are also showing that there are significant financial benefits in doing so.

“These awards recognise that London’s organisations are brimming with the ingenuity and creativity to take on the environmental challenges we face.”

Tom Delay, chief executive of the Carbon Trust said:

“As our capital, London has a vital role to play in building the UK’s low carbon future. We will be working with businesses and organisations of all sizes from right across the city.

“We’ll equip them to meet London’s carbon challenge and show how using energy efficiently can reduce their costs, boost productivity and cut their carbon footprints.”

Sam Bond

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