I fear that most of my blog items are telling manufacturers bad news about climate change and environment policy developments. Well this one is very different and it shows that manufacturers are forging ahead in terms of sustainability.

The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards will announce its 2010 regional winners at ceremonies held across the UK next month, with particular recognition for companies successfully seizing the business opportunities presented by the fast growing market for low carbon products and services; and also those actively taking measures to reduce water, electricity and gas usage, and cut waste to landfill. I have seen these entries and there is so much the sector can learn from the examples of innovation.

The Awards have been designed to recognise environmental responsibility, innovation, enterprise and excellence in apprenticeships across today’s manufacturing industry. The Environmental category, in partnership with British Gas, recognises the outstanding measures taken by companies in the sector to preserve the environment and combat climate change.

In this, the second year of the competition, members of the judging panel say the entries have been of an exceptionally high standard. It is incredibly impressive and significant to see such a large volume of manufacturers achieving massive cost savings as a result of their approach to environmental efficiency.

Well done to all those who have entered into the awards programme this year, for having an important story to tell. Find out the winners of the regional ceremonies at the end of November here: www.eef.org.uk/awards