Category Description
This category looks to highlight products, services, activities or initiatives across the planet that are tackling, or (if still in development) have the evidenced potential to tackle a key environmental or social issue.
The innovation could be something brand new in itself, or a brand new take on how we’ve previously tried to tackle the issue; and it must be replicable and/or scalable.
To make the shortlist, judges will be looking for true game changing impact or potential, with a clear explanation of the issue being addressed, how the innovation has been developed, what research was undertaken and how any challenges have been overcome, what potential it has for transforming society for the good, and what positive real world impact it’s already achieved.
Successful entries will also be able to demonstrate that there are no significant unintended negative consequences of the innovation.
Time Frame: Given the fast-moving nature of this subject, entries should focus primarily on activity from the past two years. Historical context and earlier work may be included where relevant to demonstrate baselines, legacy impact, or progression.
We request a total word count of 1500 words +/-10% (excl. supporting docs). Any confidential data will be treated as such and only shared with the judging panel.
Criteria
Judges will be looking for evidence of the following points within the supplied application form (weighting percentages in brackets):
- The extent to which the innovation addresses a real problem – why it needs solving; what alternative (if any) it’s replacing (15%).
- The extent to which the innovation is truly a ‘Game Changer’? How will it make progress that has not been made before? How does it improve upon any similar offerings/solutions? How replicable is it? (30%)
- Evidence for the impact it has had and continues to have. If it is an early-stage / pre-market idea, evidence of its potential impact (35%)
- The wider potential for scalability and replicability (20%).
PLEASE NOTE: The criteria listed above are used by judges to evaluate entries. However, you will complete a separate application form with specific questions.
When writing your entry, follow the application form questions while ensuring you address all the criteria listed above. This allows judges to assess all entries consistently.
Accessing the questions: Register or log in to AwardStage (opens 2 February), select your category, and download the PDF of questions. Application questions vary by category and will be available four weeks before entries open. To receive them in advance, please email us.
Are we eligible to enter?
Our awards programme is open to all organisations of any kind… companies large and small, charities, not-for-profits, social enterprises, NGOs, membership and accreditation organisations and government departments including local and county councils. We are all about rewarding sustainability practice – in all its forms. So if your organisation is making a difference, directly or indirectly to people and planet, you’re eligible.
We don’t just recognise businesses that are operating responsibly, or supporting / partnering with worthwhile causes. We also actively encourage entries from organisations that have been specifically set up or adapted to offer a product or service that tackles a social or environmental problem.
Our category descriptions and criteria have been written to guide entrants on what content should be detailed in their entries. However, we do not expect square pegs to fit in round holes… Some of your business activities or dedicated programmes might not fit entirely with any one specific category. In these cases, the descriptions and criteria are open to an element of interpretation and rest assured that our judges will still take into account entries that are strongly aligned with the overall context of the category.
If you have any concerns about the suitability of your entry, or would like to discuss your activities in more detail, we are here to help. Give Karen a call on 07813 718541 or email us.