About the Awards

History and idea behind the EMAS Awards

In 2005 the European Commission decided to reward the excellent work of EMAS registered organisations in environmental protection by introducing the EMAS Awards. The EMAS Awards recognise outstanding achievements in one particular environmental management aspect each year. Aspects that have been in the spotlight are e.g. resource efficiency and waste management. The event is a cornerstone for the promotion of the scheme and Awards winners, as well as a platform for a facilitated dialogue between key stakeholders. It is an opportunity for sharing and promoting best environmental management practices from EMAS registered organisations.

How to apply

Participation in the European EMAS Awards is open to all EMAS registered organisations that are nominated for this Award by the Competent Bodies of their country, either following a national EMAS Award contest or on the basis of an assessment made by the Competent Body of the organisation’s performance in the light of the current Awards theme. For further information on the nomination process in EU Member States and EEA countries please contact your national Competent Body.

EMAS Awards categories

Per country, one organisation of each of the following six categories can be nominated by the national Competent Body (Bodies).

Organisations from the private sector:

1. micro-organisations - employing  fewer  than  10  persons  and  having  an annual  turnover  and/or  annual  balance  sheet  not exceeding 2 million €.
2. small organisations - employing  fewer  than  50  persons  and  having  an annual  turnover  and/or  annual  balance  sheet  not exceeding 10 million €.
3. medium sized organisations - employing fewer than 250 persons and having an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million €, and/or an annual balance sheet not exceeding 43 million €.
4. large organisations - employing more than 250 persons and having an annual turnover exceeding 50 million €, and/or an annual balance sheet exceeding 43 million €.

Organisations from the public sector:

1. small organisations - governing less than 10.000 inhabitants and/or employing fewer than 250 persons and having an annual  turnover  not  exceeding  50  million  €, and/or an annual balance sheet not exceeding 43 million €.
2. large organisations - governing 10.000 or more inhabitants and/or employing more than 250 persons and having an annual turnover exceeding 50 million €, and/or an annual balance sheet exceeding 43 million €.

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