Interview with Stavros Dimas

Mr Dimas, this year the European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) celebrate their twentieth anniversary. Could you tell us a little about how this initiative has developed over the past two decades?

The first Better Environment Awards for Industry – as this initiative was called back then – were established in 1987 and the first Awards ceremony took place one year later. Today we can say without hesitation that the prestige of the Business Awards for the Environment is widely recognized, as can be seen from the increasing number of applications we are receiving, with an impressive 139 entries submitted for the latest edition. We have now built up a wide-ranging network of dedicated national coordinators who help us to identify the best companies from the European Union and candidate countries, and we have adapted the criteria to the new environmental, social and economic challenges we are facing today. After twenty years we can say that the initiative is firmly established, but there is always room for further innovation – we are constantly striving to expand our coverage.

What distinguishes the EBAE from other similar schemes dedicated to sustainable development?

EBAE is unique because it is the only prize of its kind awarded at a European level. Companies applying for the EBAE are truly the ‘best of the best’ – to be eligible to participate in the European scheme, they first have to obtain an award at the national level, which means they are assessed twice – first by a national jury and then by the European one. Another distinctive element of this initiative is that all companies – irrespective of their size or the Member State or candidate country they come from – have an equal chance to win an award in one of the categories. A quick glance at the list of former winners shows both small and large companies, from new and old Member States. If you can prove you are an environmental champion in one of the categories, you are in with a chance.

What does a company stand to gain by entering this scheme and winning the award? And what precisely is the appeal for the Commission?

Market surveys and opinion polls show that European citizens' appreciation of environmentally products and eco-friendly technologies is constantly growing – 'buying green' is not just a fashion, but is becoming more often a conscious choice, a choice that indicates strong personal beliefs about environmental and social issues. As a positive image is something that all companies have to strive for, none of them can afford to disregard this growing awareness and these choices. Any company that wants to be a market leader needs to take these factors into account.

Entering a national or European competition enables a company to demonstrate its attachment to the principles of sustainable development and its ability to combine excellent economic results, social responsibility and environmental concern. When you add in the broad media coverage of the Awards ceremony, the benefits for business are clear – a positive image and media exposure are sure to translate into better economic results. I would sincerely encourage all companies to consider taking part in national and the European competitions, as the benefits of such participation can be very concrete and tangible.

Referring to your second question – sustainable development is an overarching goal of the European Union, and is at the heart of the Lisbon Strategy and other guidance documents such us the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. Naturally, we are keen to reward stakeholders that are leading the way and setting an example – they help us achieve that goal.

The European Commission is proud to reward companies that prove that it is possible to break the link between economic growth and environmental degradation. The winners go even further – they prove that the application of innovative, eco-friendly solutions and technologies and commitment to social responsibility can boost economic results.

How do you see the future of this initiative?

With initiatives like the EBAE, there is always room for improvement in areas such as communication, promotion and organization.

We recently developed a network of EBAE Promoters made up of major European companies and umbrella organizations, and our goal for the near future is to strengthen and extend our mutual cooperation. I know that more can be done in the field of communication. A communication effort is needed from all parties involved, at the European and national level. We work closely with partners in almost all EU and candidate countries who manage national competitions, without whom this initiative could not take place. Strengthening and developing our cooperation with these national coordinators is one of our priorities.

I am sure of one thing: when I look at the participating companies and their achievements, it makes me feel very optimistic about the future of eco-industry in the European Union.

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