Cummins and Grace Landscapes were named Green Business of the Year, (Cummins for South Kirklees and Grace Landscapes for North). The judges were impressed by Cummins, and particularly by their efforts to reduce their energy use, with initiatives including using solar power and solar hot water. Grace Landscapes were particularly strong on recycling and reducing their transport emissions.

The award for the Best Waste Reduction Initiative went to Dr Reddy’s – recognised for their 92.55% diversion of waste from landfill, which was partly achieved by recov-ering an organic solvent used in manufacturing process, that was previously sent to landfill. And tourist spot Holmfirth Vineyard won the award for Best Energy Reduction Initiative, this category was sponsored by Lawton Electrical of Meltham. The judges were impressed by what Holmfirth Vineyard have achieved on their beautiful new visi-tor centre and restaurant, not only using wind energy, solar hot water, and Ground Source Heat Pumps, but building to a very high, low energy, Passivhaus standard.

Councillor Mehboob Khan, the Leader of the Council commented: "It’s great to see so many businesses improving their green credentials, whether it’s increasing recycling or reducing the waste and pollution that their business generates – we’re extremely supportive of their efforts and hope that they continue to strive for sustainability. We are proud of our green credentials here in Kirklees and I hope that other businesses are inspired by the efforts of their peers and that we see even more great entries at next year’s awards."