Businesses in Cumbria are shortlisted in both the Sustainable Procurement and Built Environment category for the 2009 awards.

Now in their seventh year, the Northwest Business Environment Awards are hosted by the Mersey Basin Campaign and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), supported by partners from across England's Northwest.

Cumbria County Council has been shortlisted in the Public Sector Sustainable Procurement award for their procedures and policies ensuring their annual £250m procurement expenditure is environmentally, economically, socially and ethically sustainable.

Also shortlisted for Sustainable Procurement, but in the Private Business category are Pure Lakes Skincare Products for its commitment to ensuring their eco-friendly ethical products for the hospitality industry are packaged and distributed in the most sustainable way possible.

Wigton based EnviroHomes Ltd has been shortlisted in the Built Environment category for demonstrating that homes can be built to high standards of sustainability for the same cost of a home using traditional methods.

Walter Menzies, chief executive of the Mersey Basin Campaign, said: "I'm incredibly proud that during these difficult economic times businesses are demonstrating through their innovation, practices and procurement that the environmental agenda wont be left behind but rather placed firmly at the heart of their future success.

"The shortlist this year is extremely competitive and I don't envy the judges their job of picking the winners. Each and every one of these businesses is committed to the environment as an integral part of their competitive advantage and is setting an excellent example across the region."

Mark Hughes, executive director of Economic Development at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) said: "Since the Awards were launched seven years ago, England's Northwest has continued to make a real commitment to environmental issues, recognising that good environmental procedures, alongside best business practice can foster innovation, leading to commercial success.

"This year's entries have once again exceeded all expectations, a clear indication that businesses are seriously tuned into the green agenda and looking at ways that will ensure the region remains a leader in sustainable business as the issues become ever more real."

The identity of 2009's green business heroes will be revealed at a prize-giving ceremony hosted by the Mersey Basin Campaign and the NWDA at Old Trafford Football Ground. To book a place please visit www.merseybasin.org.uk.

For more information please contact Jake Smith at Creative Concern on 0161 236 0600.