The triennial major UEPG event is the Sustainable Development Awards Ceremony. UEPG launched the first European Restoration Award scheme in 1997; in 2005, UEPG enlarged the scope to all aspects of sustainable development with the UEPG Sustainable Development Awards; in 2010, a special award was dedicated to Biodiversity.
The European Aggregates Industry supports the principles of sustainable development and is committed to operate with care and concern for the environment, for its neighbours and for society as a whole. The
For the 2013 edition, the independent Jury was composed of:
• Gerard Bos, Head of
• Theodor Bülhoff, President of ISSA-Mining, International Social Security Association focused on Prevention in the Mining Industry, and former Director of Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie Hunscheidtstraße, Germany.
• Jean Claude Lefeuvre, Professor Emeritus at the National Natural History Museum, chairman of the French Institute of Biodiversity- IFB-since its creation in 2000 until 2008, the Standing Committee of the National Council for the Protection of Nature, the Scientific Council of the Coast Conservatory and the Regional Scientific Council of the natural heritage of Britain, France.
• Peter Moser, Professor for Mining Engineering & Mineral Economics and since 2011 Vice Rector responsible for International activities and the University infrastructure at Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Austria.
This year, the independent Jury had to make a selection out of a record number of 52 excellent entries from 14 countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands and UK.
The 2013 Awards Ceremony was hosted by Sirpa Hertell (EPP, Finland), Member of the Committee of the Regions and working on Natural resources and Environment.
It took place in the prestigious Brussels Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). The event gathered honourable Members of the
At the ceremony, UEPG President Arnaud Colson made the introduction and hand over with Secretary General Dirk Fincke the 33 certificates. The host of the event, Sirpa Hertell, with Jury Members handed over the 19 awards. The Conclusion was made by UEPG Vice-President Elisabeth Gammelsæter.
The event gathered honourable Members of the European Parliament, Representatives from the European Commission, Catalan Minister and Partners.
The specificity of the 2013 Awards’ results was that out of the 3 pillars of the Sustainable development (Environment, Social and Economic) plus the Biodiversity award, companies were also rewarded for education, employees’ involvement, communication and innovation. You will be able to see all nominees and awardees on the UEPG website, and exhibitions in different EU institutions starting in 2014.
After the Awards Ceremony, UEPG had arranged a Gala Dinner for UEPG Members, company representatives and key EU decision-makers in the Kwint Restaurant with the participation of the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Alejo Vidal Quadras, (EPP, Spain).
The Sustainable Development Awards Ceremony had for its objective to reward aggregates companies that have successfully integrated the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development into their operations by concrete achievements well beyond what is expected; create a more positive understanding and appreciation of the key role played by the European Aggregates Industry, in order to ensure sustainable access to resources and to encourage SMEs (small medium enterprises) to implement best practices in all three pillars of sustainable development.
