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Genzyme Haverhill Operations have recently won a Silver Green Apple Award in recognition of their success in reducing the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes.

The trophy was presented to Sharon Banner, senior compliance advisor at Genzyme Haverhill, by former Bond girl and star of the 60s TV cult series The Champions, Alexandra Bastedo at an international awards ceremony in London.

The Green Organisation's 16th annual international awards was held at the House of Commons on November 17 and hosted by the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt MP.

The Green Apple Awards are presented annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance the environment and there were 500 nominations this year.

Sharon said: “We are delighted to receive this manufacturing award as it recognises the efforts we are making to implement better environmental business practices.

"The award was for modifying a production plant to a solvent-free process. This resulted in a saving in excess of 1,500 cubic metres of solvent per year; additional benefits are reduced transport movements and a cleaner waste stream.

"The construction project took over a year to complete with involvement from all parts of the Haverhill Operations and at its peak involved 150 contractors.”

Genzyme’s award-winning project will be featured in the next Green Book, the world’s only work of reference on environmental best practice, and they will be receiving a Green Hero Wall Shield during a special prize-giving ceremony at the Tower of London next year.

The Green Apple Awards campaign is run by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-profit organisation that recognises and promotes environmental best practice around the world. Their supporters include the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and various other professional bodies.

National organiser Roger Wolens commented: “To show continued interest in environmental issues during the current financial climate shows great foresight and they deserve the recognition of being Green Apple Award winners.

“To then go further and become Green Heroes is an even bolder statement of environmental intent, and organisations that go the extra mile and become Green Heroes are demonstrating a serious commitment to the world around them. They invest in a better future for us all and deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”

* Our pictureh shows Sharon Banner, right, of Genzyme Haverhill Operations receiving the award from actress Alexandra Bastedo.