The search is on for the UK's 'Greenest Office'

Whether it’s a two-man operation, or workplace to thousands, the UK’s Greenest Office is about to be found.

Cartridge World, in partnership with carbon offsetting company, co2balance, has announced the launch of a national competition to find the office that can best demonstrate its environmentally-friendly credentials through ‘green’ office practices and energy saving activities. Open to all companies across the UK, whatever their size, the competition will provide businesses that have lowered their carbon footprint with an opportunity to showcase their initiatives and, it is hoped, inspire others to step up their green practices. The competition is split into six regional categories. The winner from each region will progress to the final shortlist, from where an overall winner will be named The UK’s Greenest Office. Any business that believes it can demonstrate its environmentally-friendly credentials is encouraged to enter the competition. The judges are seeking information about policies initiated, and how the office is keeping the environment front of mind while conducting its day-to-day business. The panel of judges includes Mike Rigby, director of co2balance, and Mark Holland, UK General Manager of Cartridge World. Entry is free, and regional and national prizes include laptops, printers and gadgets. The overall winner crowned the UK’s Greenest Office will receive a Carbon Footprint Assessment, Management and Accreditation from co2balance, the award-winning company that helps businesses become ‘carbon zero’ with carbon assessment, management and offsetting services. There is also the opportunity to nominate your own workplace, or any office or company that has impressed you with its green credentials. Anyone who nominates a company will go into a draw to win £300 worth of Centre Parcs vouchers, and a Ricoh R50 10 megapixel camera. Everyone who nominates a company will receive a 25 per cent off discount voucher to be redeemed at Cartridge World. The competition underpins Cartridge World’s commitment to environmental awareness. The UK’s market leading retailer of refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges provides the ‘green’ alternative to buying replacement inkjet and laser printer cartridges, preventing empty cartridges from being thrown needlessly into landfill, where over 45 million are sent annually in the UK*, each taking up to 1,000 years to decompose**. Mark Holland, UK General Manager for Cartridge World, said: “Many businesses have initiated environmental practices. The Greenest Office Awards is a great opportunity to champion those that have successfully lowered their carbon footprint, and a chance to encourage other companies to follow suit. I’m looking forward to discovering innovative and unique practices and am in no doubt that the winning companies will serve as an inspiration to others. “Cartridge World and co2balance have environmental concerns at the heart of everything they do. We are delighted to be working together, supporting these awards. By highlighting the successful environmental policies of the winning companies, they will earn much-deserved profile, helping them to gain a competitive edge.” To enter the competition or to nominate a company for the award visit the Cartridge World website at www.cartridgeworld.co.uk/greenestoffice. The deadline for submitting entries is November 30, 2009, and the winners will be announced in January 2010. The six regional categories are; Scotland and North East England; North West England; Midlands; Wales and the South West; London and the South East; and Northern Ireland. Co2balance will calculate and offset the carbon emissions of the overall winner - up to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide - and offer a reduced rate to offset any remaining carbon emissions the company has. Other cutting-edge ‘green’ technology prizes will include IntelliPannels from One Click Technologies, Ricoh digital cameras, a Toshiba L500 Satellite laptop computer, and a year’s supply of free cartridge refills by Cartridge World. Cartridge World is the market-leading retailer of refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges. Using specifically formulated inks or toners, the Cartridge World stores can refill all major brands of inkjet or laser cartridge. The end result is a high quality product offering the customer substantial savings on the cost of an original and an environmentally friendly alternative to throwing the cartridge into landfill. Co2balance ltd is a leading carbon management provider offering carbon calculation, management and reduction services together with an ethical way to offset greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency projects in Africa and Asia. For more information visit the website at www.co2balance.com. ENDS Editor’s notes: For further information on Cartridge World, visit www.cartridgeworld.co.uk. Cartridge World has almost 250 stores in the UK. It was launched in Australia in 1988 and now operates more than 1,600 franchises in over 50 countries. Over 45 million printer cartridges are sent to UK landfill sites each year*. Each cartridge can take up to 1,000 years to decompose**. Cartridge World promotes the refilling and reuse of printer cartridges as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to sending them to landfill. *UK Cartridge Remanufacture Association, 2006. **International Imaging Technology Council, http://www.consumerchoice.info/faq.htm, October 2008. Co2balance works with business to help them reduce their impact on climate change. They provide simple, practical and cost-effective ways for clients to reduce their carbon footprint, and then balance their unavoidable emission through investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy and afforestation projects. For more information, log on to www.co2balance.com.