Advocates for the environment are being sought out as nominations open for prestigious awards.

Entries are now being accepted for the 34th County Durham Environment Awards, run by Durham County Council and the County Durham Partnership.

The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations for their hard work and commitment to the environment through sustainable innovation, design, and volunteering.

This year, the categories have been revised to reflect an emphasis on climate change, in line with the council’s aims as part of its Climate Emergency Response Plan.

This includes the introduction of a Small Business category to recognise and support the work of small and social enterprises.

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We are excited to launch the nominations for this year’s County Durham Environment Awards. The awards recognise the positive schemes being delivered within the county and bring people together to harness greater community action for the environment.

“This year we have introduced additional categories to reflect the diversity of work being done across the county. This is particularly in support of the many up-and-coming initiatives we are seeing from groups and small to medium businesses. If you know of a person, group, or business that you think is doing fantastic work to preserve and protect the environment, I’d encourage you to submit a nomination so their efforts can be recognised and celebrated.”

Categories for the awards are:

  • Sustainable Built Environment
  • Responding to Climate Change
  • Environmental Community Action
  • Green Business Large Company (50 and above staff)
  • Green Business Small Company (below 50 staff)
  • Nature and Places and Spaces
  • Schools and Colleges
  • Volunteer Group of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year Over 18
  • Volunteer of the Year Under 18
  • Active Outdoors

Organisers are also looking for sponsors to put their brand to the much-loved and recognised awards which have been running since 1990. Being a sponsor will allow companies to sit on the judging panel and have a say on this year’s finalists.

For more information about the awards, and to submit a nomination, visit www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/environment-climate-change-partnership/county-durham-environment-awards