The Environmental & Sustainability Award at the Suffolk Business Awards 2022 will recognise a business that has the green agenda at its heart. Judge Will Wright, from Lovell Partnerships, tells us what he’ll be looking out for.

Why were you keen to get involved in the Business Awards?
We have been involved with Archant’s awards in Norfolk for several years. With Lovell in East Anglia having present and future sites in Suffolk, we want to celebrate the success of businesses in Suffolk and help deserving companies shout about their achievements.

What do you bring to the judging process?
As a housebuilder, we are committed to sustainability and to reducing carbon in our supply chain and the way we build our houses. I wholeheartedly share that commitment and am excited to recognise local businesses that are leading the way.

East Anglian Daily Times: Will Wright, land and partnership manager at Lovell HomesWill Wright, land and partnership manager at Lovell Homes (Image: Lovell)

What have your previous experiences of judging been like?
Our team has enjoyed judging previous awards, such as the Green Business of the Year category at last year’s Norfolk Business Awards. It was great to see all the work that businesses are putting in to become more sustainable.

What inspires you in business?
People – I am very proud of being part of a successful team who work hard to make the business a success.
I am passionate about inspiring the next generation coming into the construction industry and at Lovell we have an inspirational team of young people contributing so much to the business.
I am also inspired by change – the green agenda, for instance, is making us question and challenge everything we do, from the way we run the business to the homes we build.

What will you be looking for in the winner?
I’ll be looking for evidence of environmental practices and credentials, people who embrace the environment in their day-to-day work, who show innovation and genuinely care about sustainability.
I believe it’s important too that employers recognise and encourage their teams to take the green agenda seriously and reward those who do.

What advice would you give to a business that’s entering?
I’d say don’t just talk about sustainability but embrace it, live it and put it at the very heart of your business. Always look for more things that you can do to lower your impact on the environment. No one is perfect, but we can all do more.


AWARD CRITERIA
The judges will be looking for a business that is able to demonstrate a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through innovative and sustainable practices, and that is always learning and sharing its experiences of this process with others to push the move to a green economy.
Any businesses entering will need to demonstrate how it has enhanced its environmental performance across its operations and promoted the importance of greener business models over the last 18 months, as well as providing details on its future plans in sustainability.

To enter the Environmental & Sustainability Award, visit the Suffolk Business Awards website.