Applications for the new Air Quality Initiative Award are being sought as fresh concerns are raised about levels of pollution in many of the UK’s cities, including London and Newcastle. 

However, only days remain for organisations to apply for this or the 10 other accolades to be presented during this year’s  ceremony, with entries to be submitted by 31 July deadline.

Held in the London Transport Museum, the Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards will be hosted by Watchdog’s motoring reporter Ginny Buckley, with the keynote speech delivered by Transport Minister, Andrew Jones MP. The event will recognise the contribution of those private and public sector organisations using innovative methods to reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions. 

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust said: “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of these awards and achievement among our Fleet Heroes, we felt it was important to recognise the diverse approaches taken by local authorities and public sector bodies to improve air quality – the Air Quality Award is the perfect way to do this.

“The introduction of this new award reflects the rising importance of air pollution on the political and fleet agendas. I’m confident that the winning authority will have made an outstanding contribution towards improving the UK’s air quality.” 

The awards ceremony will take place on 26 November and will follow the newly rebranded Fleet Hero Conference – formerly known as the Motorvate Conference.

Host Ginny Buckley added: “I’m really excited to be hosting the Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards’ 10th anniversary and I’m looking forward to hearing about the innovative measures the UK’s talented fleet managers and suppliers are taking to reduce fuel consumption. 

“By aspiring to be a Fleet Hero, our fleet managers aren’t just helping reduce their carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency, they’re delivering real benefits for their organisation by cutting costs and improving their reputation as responsible, environmentally aware organisations.”

This year’s award categories are: 

• Air Quality Initiative
• Best Business Sector Fleet
• Best Public Sector Fleet – Sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Commercial Vehicle Management
• Eco-driving – Sponsored by Bill Plant
• Grey Fleet Management
• Low Carbon Fleet Supplier
• Low Emission Vehicle Manufacturer – Sponsored by EDF Energy
• Plugged-in Fleets – Sponsored by Volkswagen
• Plug-in Taxi or Private Hire Initiative
• Unsung (fleet) Hero

For more information about the awards, how to apply and sponsorship opportunities visit www.fleetheroawards.org.uk. 

A full list of winners from last year’s awards and information about why they won can be found at www.fleetheroawards.org.uk/2014-winners