Willmott Dixon saw off a who's who of big names to be crowned Building magazine's sustainable company of the year.

Other short listed companies were Mace group, Asda, Balfour Beatty, Bovis Lend Lease, The Berkeley Group, Costain.

In awarding the WRAP award for sustainable construction, judges said: "While we praise all finalists for their impressive commitment to recycling and sustainability generally, Willmott Dixon's dedication to the cause makes it stand out. It was one of the first contractors to sign up to WRAP’s Halving Waste to Landfill commitment and last year exceeded its target of diverting 85% of waste from the tip. Its position as an industry leader is reflected in the prominent roles chief executive John Frankiewicz and head of sustainability George Martin play in the increasingly influential UK Green Building Council.


"Of course, with an issue like waste, good intentions count for nothing if you don't get your supply chain on board, and this is where Willmott Dixon has been particularly impressive, even inspiring one decorating contractor to recycle waste paint containers as outdoor furniture. The ultimate test for the contractor will be whether it can win this award again in 2012 – the year in which it aims to eliminate all waste from landfill. With 20 sites already diverting more than 95%, it’s well on its way."

(CD/GK)