Enter Devon’s greenest awards in their 25th year

The annual Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Awards are now open for entries.

This year’s event is particularly significant as it is 25 years since the charity was founded to support organisations pursuing environmentally sound policies.

DEBI Chair, John Smith, said: “The DEBI awards celebrate Devon organisations that are going the extra mile for green issues.

“Now is a key time for the environment and it is important that those making a difference are recognised and rewarded.”

Entries are invited from businesses, community initiatives, charities and educational establishments that can evidence commitment to the environment through day to day operations or a specific ‘green’ initiative.

Every shortlisted entry receives a visit from awards judges before the final decision is made, and all finalists will be invited to attend a prestigious, free awards ceremony at the Met Office in Exeter on Thursday, November 23.

The categories this year are: Enjoyed in Devon, Sustainable in Devon, Made in Devon, Educated in Devon, Public Service in Devon and Environmental Champion. A separate DEBI Member Award is put out to the public vote; last year this award was won by Devonia Water. Organisations can enter a maximum of two categories.

The 25th anniversary awards launch took place on World Environment Day at West Town Farm in association with Organic Arts, the 2016 winner of the Enjoyed in Devon category. Guests heard from Organic Arts trustee, Peter Grainger and other winners including 2016 Environmental Champion Mukti Mitchell from Cosy Homes, Exeter Pound’s Melanie Shaw, Shevek Pring from South West Outdoors and Ryan Stojic from Mike Wye & Associates, who discussed how winning a DEBI award has benefitted their organisations.

Entering the awards is free and entries must be submitted before Friday 15th September. For more information on how to enter, visit debi-awards.org.uk