If your business is making a real difference for the planet, now’s your chance to be recognised. Maybe you’ve taken part in Barnsley’s Net Zero programme. Or perhaps you’ve been working independently to cut your carbon footprint and reduce waste.
When you’ve put time and effort into becoming more sustainable, it feels good to have that hard work noticed. That’s exactly what the Sustainability Award at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards is all about. It’s there to celebrate local businesses that are making a real difference for the planet and our communities.
The Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards have running for 15 years now. The Sustainability Award recognises local businesses that are making real progress in reducing their environmental impact and creating positive change in the community.
Whether you’re cutting energy use, reducing waste, involving your team in green practices, or working with suppliers to make your supply chain more sustainable, the judges want to hear your story.
Last year, Barnsley College took home the award, impressing the panel with their innovative Carbon Literacy Project and their commitment to reduce emissions across all their sites. This year, it could be you.
The judges will be looking for clear evidence and honest, real-world stories. Keep your answers straightforward, follow the judging criteria, and focus on the positive changes you’ve made.
Here are a few things to include:
Remember, the judges will want to understand why your business deserves to win, and what makes your sustainability journey stand out.
Traditional Barnsley chippy, Two Gates Fisheries, is a great example of how a business can turn its sustainability efforts into national recognition.
Owner Craig Butcher joined the Net Zero Barnsley programme, delivered by The Business Village in partnership with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. Taking a close look at how his business operated, he made changes to cut energy use and reduce waste. With support from a Low Carbon Grant the business also invested in a state of the art electric frying range.
These efforts earned Two Gates Fisheries a Top 3 finalist spot in the Environment and Sustainable Business category of the National Fish and Chip Awards.
Here at The Business Village, we’re on a green journey too. We’re embedding sustainability into everything we do from installing solar panels on all our buildings to cutting our carbon emissions year on year.
We’re also working on a wider ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy. With support from the Skills Bank, we’re learning how to track and measure our ESG performance and exploring the potential for B Corp certification. We know our structure may mean it’s not possible, but we’re still committed to our ESG strategy regardless.
We’re supporting other businesses too. Through Barnsley Council’s inclusive economy agenda, we’re working closely with local SMEs to help them build their own ESG strategies and reduce emissions.
It’s possible you’ve already made progress on sustainability in your business too, so now’s the time to get recognised for it.
Entering an award is a fantastic way to showcase the great work you’re doing. Winning feels amazing, but maybe you’re wondering whether there are any other benefits?
Firstly, awards build credibility for your business. By entering the Sustainability Award, you’ll show customers and partners that you’re genuinely committed to the environment. And that will help you stand out in a busy, competitive marketplace.
Entering an award is also a superb marketing opportunity. It will give you positive stories to share and increase your company’s visibility. Plus, on the inside, your employees will feel proud, knowing their efforts are valued.
More importantly, simply going through the award entry process will give you a chance to reflect on everything you’ve achieved so far. That reflection alone can be valuable.
If you want to explore more about the benefits of entering awards, we’ve covered it in a previous blog post which you can read here.
The Barnsley and Rotherham Sustainability Award is now open for applications. The deadline is 4pm on Friday 12th September 2025 and you can find all the details and entry form here.
The award is open to businesses with an ‘S’ postcode as well as members of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, regardless of their location. Entry is free, and the winners will be announced at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards ceremony in November.
If you’ve taken part in the Net Zero Barnsley programme, you’re already ahead of the game. Take a moment to think about the changes you’ve made and the impact you’ve had, whether that’s cutting energy bills, reducing waste, or inspiring your team.
If you’re not sure how to get started with your entry, talking it through can help. Or why not join Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber’s practical workshop on Wednesday 30th July 2025? Led by Claire Taylor-Foster from Raspberry Flamingo, it’s designed to help you learn how to write award entries that win, with practical tools and techniques to help you tell your story. Places are limited to just 10 attendees, so book early!
Here’s a quick reminder of what you need and when:
Entry form and criteria: https://www.brawards.co.uk/sustainability-award
BRCC workshop – How to write award entries that win: Wednesday 30th July 2025 Book your place: https://www.brchamber.co.uk/chamber-training-skills-series/
Sustainability Award entry deadline: Friday 12th September 2025, 4pm
Award ceremony: Friday 14th November 2025
If you’re a Business Village tenant, or have taken part in the Net Zero programme, and are thinking of entering the Sustainability Award, we’re here to help.
Whether you want to talk through your ideas, get a second opinion on your entry, or need a bit of encouragement, just get in touch:
What is B Corp certification and why should your business get on board? https://www.business-village.co.uk/2024/10/21/what-is-b-corp-certification-and-why-should-your-business-get-onboard/
Building a sustainable future at The Business Village https://www.netzerobarnsley.co.uk/case-study/building-a-sustainable-future-at-the-business-village/
10 reasons why entering awards is good for business https://www.business-village.co.uk/2024/06/27/ten-reasons-why-entering-awards-is-good-for-business/
