Resource efficiency for sustainable Europe

Last week, EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik announced the five winners of the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment.

The 2012 winners are Marks and Spencer (UK) for management; Aquamarine Power (UK) for product; Umicore (Belgium) for process; INENSUS GmbH (Germany) for international business cooperation; and Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. (Slovakia) for business and biodiversity. According to the European Commission, the five winners reflect contributions to sustainable development.

Commissioner Potočnik stressed that resource efficiency is the key to a competitive, sustainable Europe. He also added that these companies show that it is not only possible but desirable to combine a healthy bottom line with environmental protection. “They are green growth in action and I applaud them”, he said.

Every two years, the European Commission presents awards to companies that have made outstanding progress with environmentally friendly policies and products to companies that are the “best of the best”, the most farsighted, responsible and innovative across Europe.