A number of prestigious construction projects have been shortlisted for top honours at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Awards for Environmental Excellence, which recognise and reward companies that have introduced successful measures to reduce their environmental impact.

Carillion plc, Genesis and VHE Construction plc have all reached the finals in the Construction and Demolition Product Use category, while the British Airports Authority (BAA), BNH JV (Balfour Beatty) and a partnership of St Helens Council, Envirolink Northwest and Birse Civils are nominated in the Site Management category.

The winning entries will be announced at an event to be held at the Dorchester Hotel on London's Park Lane on 31 October 2007. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC news presenter Sophie Raworth and the judges include Dr Liz Goodwin, chief executive of the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), Owen Jenkins, director of CIRIA, and John Ingham, environment editor of the Daily Express.


Steve Lee, Chief Executive of the CIWM, said: "There are a number of awards within the construction category that recognise companies that have introduced effective measures to reduce their impact on the environment. The construction industry is working hard to reduce waste, improve sustainability and promote best health and safety practice. The response has been phenomenal and the quality of the entries was extremely high."

In the Product Use category Carillion plc is selected for its sustainable design and construction of The City of York Council Eco Depot, which delivered reduced energy demand and emissions. VHE Construction plc, meanwhile, wins a place on the shortlist for showing a commitment to reducing vehicle movements and re-using materials to reduce its carbon footprint at the Rugeley Power Station project. Genesis is shortlisted for constructing the Genesis Centre from sustainable materials and making use of renewable energy.

Airport operator BAA reached the final in the Site Management category for its site management achievements, including recovering 97 per cent of waste on the Heathrow Terminal 5 project. The BNH JV entry is shortlisted for its application of sustainable construction principles to the Birmingham New Hospitals project, while the St Helen's Council partnership with Envirolink Northwest and Birse Civils was selected for demonstrating outstanding sustainable site management in the A58 Blackpool Bypass scheme.

(CD)