With just over two weeks until deadline day, the BMA says that entries to its Sustainability Awards are mounting up, as manufacturers look to showcase their environmental progress.
The judging panels for the first two categories have been revealed, and the specialists who will cast their critical eyes over the third category, the Circular Economy Award are: Pat Hermon, Life Cycle Assessment expert; Jane Thornback, sustainability advisor at the Construction Products Association; and Emma Hedges, editor of KBBFocus.
In contrast to the 'take-make-waste' linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources.
As manufacturers, BMA members have a role in moving towards circularity. This award will recognise companies’ efforts in materials stewardship, reducing or removing waste, and designing products with repairability in mind.
Pat Hermon, Life Cycle Assessment expert, said: “This circular economy award will consider all aspects of sustainability, not only carbon reduction. Companies taking a holistic and strategic approach are extending this to include supply chain action, waste reduction, resource efficiency and collaborative working.
“A commitment to creating a ‘closed loop’ system, involves engaging with partners, employees and the supply chain to implement change, and we are looking forward to seeing examples of this in action.”
This award is being sponsored by Used Kitchen Exchange. Helen Lord, founder of Used Kitchen Exchange, said: “Sustainability is critical to the health of our planet, and we need to celebrate the change-makers in all sectors, and inspire others along the way.
“We are all developing and progressing our businesses to be more sustainable and benefit the environment. These awards are the perfect way to show that to the world.
“Talking more openly about what changes are being made is key, and, at UKE we’re proud to be a part of that conversation and support the BMA and its members in launching its sustainability awards.
“At UKE, sustainability is at the heart of what we do, our customers make incredible environmental savings by choosing us and enjoyed the ‘feel good’ of making an ethical choice.”
There are five categories in the awards: Carbon Reduction, Water Efficiency, Circular Economy, Workplace Initiative and Sustainability Champion, and they are open to full BMA members and affiliates. The deadline is 5pm August 27, 2021.
Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, said: “The sector is placing greater importance on sustainability, and we have designed these awards in response to that hard work. We are all striving to reduce our impact on the environment.
“I encourage any would-be winners with any queries about their submission, or who are looking for reassurance about their entry to get in touch. This is the first year we are running this awards event and it’s an exciting venture which we hope all our members will participate in.”
