Clean and green

Last week the Clean Business Awards were given out to a variety of innovative projects operating across the country.

"Choosing winners is always difficult, however this time it was extremely difficult, because all the firms stood out," says Andrzej Pawelec, manager of the Clean Business Program, which is run by the Polish Foundation for the Environment. Since 1999 the foundation has organized a contest for small- and medium-sized Polish companies that have introduced environmentally friendly business solutions.

Prizes are awarded in four categories: energy, water and waste management; innovation and technology transfer; tourism; and 'Brightsite.' This year Adler Polska from Bielsko Biała won the first and most popular category for its closed-circuit industrial water-cooling system that will save over 6,600 cubic meters of water a year.

Solid SA from Tarnów was awarded for its 'Sludge for Heat' process, which uses the solid waste which remains after sewage treatment for heat generation. The process also reduces the amount of material going to landfill.

Nad Zalewem recreation center near Kraków won the Brightsite category for an artificial lake complete with an island built in a former quarry.

Sandomierz's Apple Orchard Trail won the tourism category for its promotion of the local countryside and the activities of small local businesses.

Many Polish companies still associate caring about the environment with higher costs, lower profits and bureaucracy. The Polish Foundation for the Environment aims to cooperate with firms to  demonstrate that being green is not only beneficial for the environment, but can also have a positive impact on a company's bottom line.