The Northwest Business Environment Awards are open to all businesses and organisations based in the North West of England, of any size or sector. The award categories for 2010 are:

Environmental Innovation Award

This award celebrates innovation and excellence in developing new environmental technologies, processes or techniques and in finding new ways to use existing green technologies.

Built Environment Award

Awarded in recognition of developers, clients, architects and built environment professionals who are breaking new ground by integrating sustainability into their projects. There are two awards, one for projects costing more than £1m and one for projects costing less than £1m.

Combating Climate Change Award (new for 2010 )

Open to all sectors, this award recognises the practical steps companies are taking to combat climate change, either through mitigation or adaptation, which have a beneficial environmental impact beyond the business or organisation itself. Steps might include a reduction in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, alongside wider workforce or supply chain initiatives.

Best Environmental Practice Award

Open to both large and small companies in any sector, this award highlights those companies that have made a commitment to environmental improvements part of their business success. There are two awards, one for large companies and one for small to medium sized enterprises.

Media and Communications Award

This Environmental Champions award seeks to encourage and reward either high quality reporting in the media or the best communication campaigns or materials from in-house marketing and communications teams or creative agencies.

Environmental Leadership Award

Open to all sectors, this Environmental Champions award recognises outstanding environmental leadership and commitment from individuals or groups whose dedication and enthusiasm energises others.