A COMPETITION which aims to recognise companies, organisations and individuals who are doing their bit for the environment has been launched by Archant Herts & Cambs, the Comet s parent company. The Hertfordshire Green Awards 2010 were officially launched

A COMPETITION which aims to recognise companies, organisations and individuals who are doing their bit for the environment has been launched by Archant Herts & Cambs, the Comet's parent company.

The Hertfordshire Green Awards 2010 were officially launched on Friday during the More Green: Better Business conference which was staged at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield.

The event, organised by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, was attended by more than 100 delegates and featured a number of presentations all of which had a green theme.

Among the speakers were David Lloyd, the executive member for resources and economic well-being at Hertfordshire County Council, environmentalist Sir Jonathon Porritt and Tim Hutchings, chairman of the Herts Chamber of Commerce.

Archant's events manager, Sarah Scott, was also there to launch the Green Awards, which are sponsored by the Galleria, Environmental Population and The Green Organisation.

Sarah told delegates: "The future of the environment is becoming a widespread concern, both on a global and local level.

"The Green Awards are designed to recognise local businesses, schools, households and individuals who are doing their bit to champion environmental issues."

She added: "The awards seek to recognise individuals and companies who have made a real impact in the county over the last 12 months.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for local companies and organisations to promote themselves to a captivated green audience by entering specific award categories."

There are nine categories in this year's awards: Best Recycling Project, Young Environmentalist of the Year, Best Environmental School, Best Environmental College, Environmental Business of the Year, Most Environmental Household, Best Environmental Project, Environmentalist of the Year and Environmental Travel Project.

The deadline for entries is July 23.

The top three finalists will automatically be entered into the National Green Apple Awards

For more information about the awards visit www.hertsgreenawards.co.uk