Sustainable Retailer of the Year

Retailers, especially those based in out-of-town shopping centres, are often accused of causing harm to the environment, either through the products that they sell, their mode of business or their location. Many retailers, both large and small, are now addressing these criticisms and have introduced a number of measures to reduce their impact on the environment and improve the local community.

This award is to promote and celebrate sustainability excellence within retailers, from large chain stores to small independent outlets. Entries can include:

• changes to the products sold

• changes to the sourcing of products

• the sustainability of the production and transport of the goods

• the environmental impact of the products used in the management of the store

• the reduction in waste produced and increase in materials recycled (both within the running of the store and by consumers)

• the influence of the store on the purchasing decisions of consumers

• the impact on the local community

• the global warming impact of the store.

A written statement of no more than 1,000 words should set out: how the retailer has worked to improve its environmental credentials; the sustainability of products it uses and sells; their impact on the local community (including local suppliers); the possibilities for improvement and expansion of the scheme.

Applications are welcome from retailers of any size and nature. Entrants should note that the judging panel will not discriminate on the scale of the improvements.