G24 Innovations (G24i) has won the Premier Product Award at the prestigious Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards. The Rt. Hon Pat McFadden, Minister of State for Employment Relations, presented the solar pioneer with the award for its next generation Dye-Sensitized Thin Film technology at a ceremony at London's Lincoln Centre. Other winners on the day included ASDA, AGFA, and Innocent Drinks.
Established by Sir Peter Parker in 1975, the BCE Awards are the longest running and one of the most prestigious green awards in the UK, recognising environmental excellence, innovation and leadership in the business world. G24i had to overcome a record number of entrants to this year's awards and meet the approval of the BCE technical panel - made up of distinguished representatives from UK business. The company was commended for the innovative nature of its solar cells and their ability to deliver a tangible and lasting positive impact on the global environment, as well as for the company's commitment to sustainability across its entire business.
The award is the third major prize that G24i has won in recent months, following its receipt of a $200,000 Lighting Africa award from the World Bank and the Welsh Innovative Company of the Year 2008 prize at the Western Mail Business Awards.
Commenting Robert Hertzberg, Chairman of G24 Innovations, said: "It is a great honour to be recognised at what is one of the most prestigious awards in the UK today. At G24 Innovations we believe that our technology platform has the potential to revolutionise personal power, providing a raft of environmental, social and economic benefits across the globe. This award is an acknowledgment of this and reflects both the progress that we have made to-date and the scale of our ambition for the future."
Sir Anthony Cleaver, President of the BCE Awards, explained how the environment is an increasingly important issue in UK commerce: "In the current business climate, cost effectiveness and environmental responsibility often go hand in hand. With rising fuel prices and the introduction of carbon taxes, businesses can no longer afford to ignore the environmental impact of their operations. The BCE Awards reward companies that are at the forefront of environmental innovation, who provide best practice examples for UK businesses to follow."
About G24i
G24 Innovations (G24i), a UK based company, is the world's first to commercially manufacture next generation Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells, an alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.
Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells are unique in that they are extremely lightweight, durable, and produce electricity in low-light and indoor conditions. As a result, G24i's advanced solar cells are perfect for powering mobile electronic devices such as mobile telephones, cameras, and portable LED lighting systems.
On a larger scale, G24i's flexible thin film integrates effectively into clothing, tents, electronic advertising displays, and works well for indoor building integrated photovoltaic systems where local regulation requires on site generation or significant energy efficiency measures.
G24i's proprietary high speed roll-to-roll manufacturing process allows for large volume production at our 23 acre, 187,000 square foot facility. Further information at: www.g24i.com 
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.About the Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards
The Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) Environmental Leadership Awards were established in 1975 to recognise businesses whose activities enhance or protect the environment while meeting commercial demands. They are the UK's (and probably the world's) oldest environmental awards, with over 33 years of experience showcasing environmental excellence. BCE is unique in that it is run by business rather than any regulator, authority or government agency, and so it rewards the efforts of business to address environmental issues without regulatory intervention.
The BCE Awards are presented annually and are acknowledged as a hallmark of success. They are also the only nationwide UK awards open to all sectors and technologies. The Awards are free to enter and UK businesses compete to show best practice in areas such as climate change, air quality, waste management, resource efficiency, and protecting Britain's countryside and natural resources.
The BCE Awards are an accredited feeder scheme for the biennial European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE). This year, six of the ten UK entries to EBAE had received a BCE Award. The Co-operative Group went on to win the 2008 EBAE Management Award.
BCE Awards are managed and sponsored by AEA. Other business sponsors include Brunswick Group LLP, Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons, E.ON, Gazeley, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Acorn Press Swindon Ltd, JP Morgan Climate Care, Saint Gobain and Veolia Environmental Services. In addition, a number of high-profile individuals have given support or presented the Awards over the years, including HRH The Prince of Wales, Tony Blair, David Cameron and David Milliband.
The 2009 Call is now open and closes on 3 October 2008.