Ibstock Brick has been announced as the winner of the Energy Efficiency category at edie Sustainability Leaders Awards 2019.

The awards were co-ordinated by environmental publisher edie.net and held in London on Wednesday 6 February. They recognise excellence across the spectrum of green business.

Brick manufacturer Ibstock Brick has investing in energy efficient plant, clean technologies and performance improvements. For example, it invested significantly in Eclipse, an energy efficient manufacturing plant at its headquarters in Leicestershire, which was officially opened by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, last summer. The company’s ‘People First’ approach identifies people as major energy users, as opposed to machinery and processes.

The judges said: “Ibstock received praise from the judges for its recognition that all of its people are essential change-makers when it comes to delivering sustained improvements in energy efficiency, and the great results the company has seen over the past year are testament to that.”

Michael McGowan, Ibstock plc’s Group Sustainability Manager, was also a finalist in the Energy Management Leader of the Year category.

Joe Hudson, Chief Executive Officer of Ibstock plc, said: “I am delighted that Ibstock Brick’s commitment to more energy efficient methods of manufacturing have been recognised at these prestigious sustainability awards.

“But above all, the participation of our employees is fundamental to the success of our sustainability programme. By engaging and involving people across all functions we are able to draw on both vast experience and fresh ideas from newer employees.

“As a result, we find ourselves looking towards a promising future where our impact on the environment is not only minimised but positive.”