Rewarding Environmental Action

CIWEM is relaunching the Green Ribbon Political Awards to honour those who have had a positive impact on the environment.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Green Ribbon Political Awards were high profile accolades (plus a wooden spoon) awarded to politicians, businesses and NGOs, both in the UK and abroad, for their environmental achievements. Bestowed by a high profile panel of judges, including renowned environmentalist Jonathon Porritt CBE and Britain’s longest serving environmental correspondent Geoffrey Lean, the Green Ribbon was highly prized as a mark of environmental excellence.

Ahead of the forthcoming General Election, CIWEM is now relaunching the Green Ribbon Political Awards, which were founded by Environmental Policy Consultants.  

This year’s awards ceremony will take place at the House of Commons on 18 November, hosted by Joan Walley MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, and supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Environment Group.

In October a distinguished line-up of judges will deliberate those deserving of an award; their decisions informed by specially conducted surveys of politicians and environmental campaigners.

This year there are ten award categories, including a new award for environmental journalists and the media. The awards will also celebrate international politicians and the efforts of campaigning NGOs.

The awards are kindly sponsored by the Thames Tideway Tunnel, a major new sewer urgently needed to help address the unacceptable and growing problem of raw sewage discharges into the tidal River Thames.

CIWEM Chief Executive Dr Simon Festing said:

“We’re delighted to be re-launching the Green Ribbon Political Awards. These awards truly scrutinise politicians’ activities and establish who really is working hard for the environment behind the scenes. As well as celebrating those that are having a positive effect, we will also be unearthing those who are unconstructive and worthy of a grey ribbon award. We want to put out a clear and public message: ‘We will be vocal in support of environmental champions, whether high profile or unsung. And to those who obstruct or hinder the stewardship of the environment, your card is marked’.”