The deadline for applications for the 2017-2018 edition of the European Business Awards for the Environment is 30 November 2017.

The European Business Awards for the Environment have been convened since 1987 by the European Commission to recognize those companies that successfully combine the economic viability of their businesses with the protection of the environment. The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA), has been the entity in charge of managing the Spanish section since 2013.

Applications can be submitted until November 30, 2017, by filling in an official form. The Biodiversity Foundation will convene a jury in which experts of recognized prestige in the environmental and business field will participate in the selection of the winners.

In Spain, the European Business Awards for the Environment have been held since 1997, and for the winning companies they represent an important recognition both from society and from the world of business and sustainability. The awards improve their visibility and open up new business opportunities for them.

This edition of the awards is divided into four categories that highlight innovative aspects of business management that contribute to sustainable development. Thus, companies that have a strategic vision equipped with innovative management systems and tools will be rewarded. In another category, the development and/or implementation of a product or service with an environmental character will be recognized. On the other hand, innovative solutions in production processes and methods will be rewarded and, finally, international cooperation that contributes to sustainable development will be recognized, in which at least one Spanish company and an entity from the private or public sector, NGOs or the academic sector of an emerging or developing country are involved.

A special category, “Business and Biodiversity”, has also been created, whose winner will be selected from among the companies that apply for one of the four previous categories and that stands out for its contribution to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

The winning companies and runners-up in the Spanish section will participate in the European competition.

Applicants must be private companies that are legally constituted and duly registered in the corresponding register, with their own legal personality and that are based in Spain.

Public companies, NGOs, institutions and other non-profit entities can only participate as a partner of a company in the category of international business cooperation. In this case, it will be the company that will officially present the candidacy for the awards.