This British Chambers of Commerce Green Innovation Business of the Year Award recognises innovative contributions to biodiversity and urban regeneration through projects that are transforming urban landscapes across the UK. The awards, now in their 21st year, highlight the role of firms in delivering growth, prosperity and innovation across the UK. The Green Estate Community Interest Company (CIC), won the award after impressing judges with their ‘holistic approach to green innovation – building a strong legacy for its community’.
The Sheffield-based social enterprise is best known for their signature Pictorial Meadows; renowned for their vibrance and resilience at well known sites including Superbloom at the Tower of London, North Lanarkshire’s Mega Flora Project, Manor Fields District Park, and Sheffield’s Grey to Green Scheme. The company is also involved in UK’s largest nature-based Sustainable Urban Drainage System, located in Mansfield.
Sarah Howard MBE, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Green Estate thoroughly deserves to win the Green Innovation of the Year award due to its holistic commitment to sustainability. It has pioneered biodiversity-rich urban solutions, like Pictorial Meadows, engaged communities, and achieved national impact through its innovative approaches in urban resilience and environmental stewardship.”
The Green Estate CIC was established in the 1990s with the regeneration of over 42 hectares of industrial heritage landscape in Sheffield’s Manor Castle ward. Collaborating with horticultural experts such as Professors Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough from the University of Sheffield, they transformed neglected urban spaces into Green Flag Award-winning parklands. The Green Estate’s innovations extend to peat-free compost, specialist substrate soils and brownfield site reclamation – established the organisation as a leader in resilient planting and meadows consultancy.
The Green Estate’s mission is to grow green and resilient urban places. Last year, it became one of the first 15 organisations to be given the prestigious King’s Enterprise Award for Sustainable Development. As well as transforming parts of Sheffield, the Green Estate team also help advise groups across the UK on nature based solutions and sustainable urban landscaping.
Roz Davies, CEO of The Green Estate, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised with this prestigious national award, and to be flying the flag for green innovation, social enterprise, plus Sheffield and South Yorkshire! In the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the climate and ecological crises, the role of green innovation businesses and nature-based solutions are more vital than ever. On behalf of our team of 100+ staff and volunteers, a heartfelt thank you to the British Chambers of Commerce, Octopus Energy for sponsoring, and to the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce for the nomination.”
Harry Bowell, Co-Chair of The Green Estate and Director of Land & Nature at The National Trust, said: “Changes in our climate and loss of nature present one of the greatest challenges of our time. We need new thinking and approaches to help our towns and cities adapt. The Green Estate has been driving innovation to find solutions to these problems and I am so proud that its work has been recognised in this way.”