At the end of last week, eco-conscious Isle of Wight businesses were recognised for their efforts at the 2023 Green Impact Awards, held at Building 41 in Northwood.
The Green Impact Awards is a national initiative celebrating the positive changes made by a huge number of businesses and individuals across the UK.
Over the course of the last year, Isle of Wight businesses have been taking part in the programme offered by SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability UK), which supports and enables organisations, universities, colleges, community institutions and students’ unions all over the country to create more sustainable working environments.
Unique example
Here on the Island, students from Isle of Wight College were involved in analysing entries and questioning IW organisations taking part in what is thought to be the only council-backed scheme in the country.
Council Chairperson, Claire Critchison, presented the awards.
New Platinum Award
This year a new Platinum Award was introduced, which two organisations triumphed in, with Isle of Wight businesses also picking up five Golds, one Silver and four Bronze awards.
Four special awards were also presented. See the full list below.
In conversation
News OnTheWight caught up with Dr Holly Jenkins from SOS-UK to find out more about the scheme and how Isle of Wight businesses can get involved.
Holly, a project manager at SOS UK, explains the organisation’s focus on promoting sustainability, increasing diversity and inclusion in sustainability efforts, and working towards climate justice.
SOS UK’s role and the Green Impact Programme
SOS UK, an educational charity, aims to engage young people and the broader public in sustainability initiatives. The Green Impact Programme, managed by SOS UK, is highlighted for its global reach, involving over 1,200 organisations worldwide.
The programme, unique in its implementation on the Isle of Wight through council sponsorship, encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
How the Green Impact Programme works
In our conversation, Holly explains that the Green Impact Programme helps businesses towards sustainability through the behavioral change model, providing a comprehensive action list that is easy to implement and track.
As well as being designed to recognise and celebrate the efforts of businesses, the programme encourages participation through a supportive community.
News OnTheWight’s experience with the programme
Simon shares News OnTheWight’s experience participating in the programme, highlighting the importance of small actions towards sustainability, such as recycling, which may go unnoticed, but contribute to positive change.
The interview touches on the behavioural change model used in the programme, emphasising engagement, encouragement, exemplification, and a forgotten fourth element (prizes).
Listen in
You can hear Simon Perry in conversation with Dr Holly Jenkins by clicking on the play button below. You can pause, jump back ten seconds or jump forward 30 seconds.
List of 2023 Green Impact Award winners
| Vikoma International | Platinum |
| Nettlecombe Farm | Platinum |
| WightFibre | Gold |
| NOSY Creative Agency | Gold |
| Isle of Wight Council - County Hall & 46SS | Gold |
| Visit Isle of Wight | Gold |
| Wildheart Animal Sanctuary | Gold |
| OnTheWight | Silver |
| Building 41 | Bronze |
| Sandham Office Services | Bronze |
| Gurit (UK) Ltd | Bronze |
| Mitchell Evans LLP | Bronze |
| Special Awards | |
| NOSY Creative Agency | Community Action |
| Amy Moram (Gurit UK) | Sustainability Hero |
| Vikoma International | Environmental Improvement |
| Nettlecombe Farm | Innovation for Engagement |
The toolkit’s flexibility
The Green Impact Awards toolkit offers flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor actions to their sector, with non-specific actions available for universal applicability.
Businesses interested in participating can easily register online, with support available to guide them through the process.
Jones-Evans: It’s a straightforward and rewarding process
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for economy, regeneration, culture and leisure,
“Witnessing the rich diversity of businesses at the awards and learning about their sustainability efforts was a privilege.
“Regardless of their size, any business can utilise the free tools provided by Green Impact to enhance their sustainability practices. It’s a straightforward and rewarding process.
“Remember, every small action we take contributes to a significant impact across the entire Island.”
“We encourage other local businesses to join the scheme and sign up for this initiative in 2024.”
Article edit
4.05pm 18th Mar 2024 – Group photo and comment JJE comment added
5.35pm 18th Mar 2024 – 2024 corrected to 2023
