There were two awards, one for an organisation, the other for an individual within an organisation. The prize giving took place at The Crystal, Siemens’ landmark global urban sustainability centre at Royal Victoria Docks.

The corporate award was given to The Caterers Linen Supply in recognition of its initiatives throughout the organisation, including the UK’s first environmentally-friendly, steamless laundry), delivering on its pledge to reduce ‘linen miles’ and the introduction of its EkoChef range of clothing made from recycled plastic bottles and waste polyester fibres.

Debbie Rosher from The Caterers Linen Supply said: “We use 70% less water than a standard laundry, and the staff are all on board with our sustainable initiatives. We’ll keep going and continue to look for new innovations.”

The award was presented by Mark Jankovic of Delphis Eco, who said: “We were looking for genuine game-changing behaviour were impressed by the commitment shown by the company, demonstrated by the fact that the MD heads the Sustainability Panel.”

Second place went to Bartlett Mitchell for its drive to reduce deliveries and food miles, and its DARE healthy eating programme. Third place went to The Clink Restaurant at HMP Highdown in recognition of the specialised skills training to reduce re-offending rates. Training in bee-keeping, horticulture and catering are offered, and there is a robust recycling programme.

Gram UK, Lexington Catering, Unilever, Vacherin and Sodexo were all commended.

The people award went to Caroline Meledo, the Corporate Citizenship and Engagement Adviser at Sodexo following the launch in 2011 of its ‘Green Spark’ initiative.

She developed her Coffee Grounds for Growth concept into a successful social enterprise, embracing waste management, recycling and community benefit in partnership with the team at HMP Peterborough. Used coffee grounds are re-packaged into their original bags and offered as free compost to employees.

In second place was Emma Finch, catering manager at Asmec for Bartlett Mitchell who introduced an innovative idea that both recycled and saved costs, using the coffee clutches to collect loyalty point stamps.

Team Investec at Lusso Catering came third, with its Ugly Fish Friday campaign designed to raise awareness of the issues faced by the UK’s fishing industry and encourage people to try such fish as dab, gurnard and whiting.

Gerard Jacob at Vacherin, Rebecca Forsythe at BaxterStorey, Conall Hogan at Bartlett Mitchell (OFGEM) and the Bartlett Mitchell Marketing Team working with Stuart Cawley & the catering team at Unison were all commended.