The Exeter Sustainability Awards are returning for a fifth year, after attracting 149 entries from businesses, community groups, educational organisations and individuals since their launch.
Founded in 2022 with Princesshay as founding partner, the awards put a spotlight on practical action being taken to improve sustainability across Greater Exeter, from reducing waste and reusing resources to supporting nature and finding better ways of working.
Entries are now being invited for the 2027 awards, with judges Gemma Baal, Exeter Phoenix and Bill Holland, Princesshay, keen to hear about projects, initiatives and the people behind them.
Over the past four years, nearly 150 entries have demonstrated the activity taking place locally, by businesses of all sizes, schools and educational organisations, charities, community groups and individuals.
Hannah Overton, Princesshay Marketing and Commercial Manager, said, “When we launched the Exeter Sustainability Awards five years ago, we wanted to uncover the work already happening locally and give it the recognition it deserved. Since then, we’ve received entries covering an incredible range of activity. We know there is much more happening that people may never hear about, so we’re looking forward to discovering what comes forward this year.”
Among those recognised previously is Exeter Food Action, which won the Community Group/Charity/Non-Profit category in 2026 for its work rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to organisations supporting people across the city.
This year, Exeter Food Action Manager Wendy Kearns will return to the awards as a judge, bringing the perspective of both a previous entrant and winner.
Wendy said: “Being recognised by the Exeter Sustainability Awards was a proud moment for everyone involved with Exeter Food Action, particularly because it celebrated something our staff and volunteers work incredibly hard at every day. Coming back as a judge gives me the opportunity to see what other people are doing across Exeter. I’d really encourage people to enter. You can be so close to what you do every day that you don’t always recognise just how significant it is.”
Headline sponsor Stagecoach South West returns to support the awards at a time of major investment in public transport across Exeter and Devon, including the rollout of new electric buses serving Exeter.
Peter Knight, Stagecoach South West Managing Director, said: “It feels particularly relevant for us to be supporting the Exeter Sustainability Awards this year, as electric buses begin taking to the streets of Exeter. The awards are a great way to recognise the people and organisations who are making Exeter more sustainable and to share ideas that could inspire others to act. We’re proud to continue our support and look forward to seeing this year’s entries.”
Other awards sponsors are Coastal Recycling, Global City Futures, 1energy, Building Greater Exeter run by Exeter College, InExeter and the University of Exeter.
Nominations for The Exeter Sustainability Awards are open now to organisations and individuals within the Greater Exeter area. The deadline for nominations is Friday 11th December.
There are six categories: Community Group/Charity/Non-Profit; School/Educational Organisation; Micro Business; Small Business; Medium/Large Business; and Sustainable Hero.
To enter or nominate someone, visit https://exetersustainabilityawards.co.uk/
Entries are now being invited for the 2027 Exeter Sustainability Awards