CO2Sense Yorkshire is celebrating after several of its projects walked away with awards and commendations at the prestigious Yorkshire Post Environment Awards on Thurs 4 March.

Community-based hydro-electric scheme Settle Hydro picked up the Community award and Scarborough-based Econoplas, which makes drainage products from recycled plastics, took the Manufacturer of the Best Green Product award at the event. Both have received funding, advice and support from CO2Sense.

In addition Yorkshire Forward chief executive Tom Riordan scooped the Green Champion award. Business recycling collection firm Taylors Environmental Services also received a special commendation in the Best Environmental Business category.

Commenting on the news, CO2Sense operations director Andy Hartley said: “These projects demonstrate the growing markets for resource efficient products and renewable energy. There are fantastic business opportunities in the environment sector which all the finalists at these awards are seizing. Alongside this growing commercial success these projects also cut carbon emissions, a vital and winning combination.”

CO2Sense is a business support and market development programme funded by Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.

Settle Hydro is Yorkshire’s first the first community-owned ‘run of river’ hydro-electric project and is sited on the river Sett near Bridge End Mill in Settle.

Econoplas is a true green success story. Its drainage products can be found in prestigious locations including Marriot and DeVere hotel resorts, New Jersey’s Tump National Golf Club and projects supported by the Football Foundation.

Visit www.co2sense.org.uk for more information on their services.