A groundbreaking competition that aims to showcase innovative ways of tackling climate change has been extended after receiving an overwhelming response.

Organised by Business in the Community (BITC) and supported by Advantage West Midlands, the C+ Carbon Positive Awards will now close on Tuesday, with companies, organisations and communities benefiting from a three-week extension to get their applications in.

Judges are keen to hear about ways of reducing carbon emissions, how communities are cutting their carbon footprint and also from entrepreneurs, who have developed innovative new products and services to help push the green agenda.

It is anticipated that the awards will raise the profile of the West Midlands and build upon the excellent work already undertaken in pioneering the low carbon economy.

Thanks to Advantage West Midlands’ renewed emphasis, the region has delivered £300 million in new environmental technology sales or regional waste and energy savings from just a £3 million investment.

The same funding has also delivered a reduction of 300,000 tonnes of CO2 from West Midlands companies.

David Darlaston, regional director of Business in the Community, said: “We have had so many nominations and interest from all over the region, so it made sense to extend the awards deadline until April 21 to give everyone a chance to participate.

“Taking part will raise the profile of your company, what you are doing in the community and could increase business and funding opportunities.””

There are six categories in the West Midlands C+ Carbon Positive Awards, which are also supported by Sustainability West Midlands, the Midlands Environmental Business Club, the Birmingham Environmental Partnership and Argent.

These are:

C+ Carbon Positive Footprint

C+ Carbon Positive Consumer Choices

C+ Carbon Positive Micro

C+ Positive Communities

C+ Positive Cutting Edge

C+ Positive Pioneer

In addition and thanks to the support of the Birmingham Environmental Partnership, a section of the C+ Carbon Positive Footprint category will be open specifically to organisations in Birmingham.

David added: “The winners will be presented their awards at a grand finale on May 1 at Argent’s spectacular Eleven Brindleyplace development, which has been constructed to BREEAM Excellent rating and will provide a perfect first home for the scheme.

“The event has been designed to coincide with the Prince’s May Day Summit on climate change, which brings together the Prince’s May Day Network in the region. Along with 13 other events across the country, it will form the UK’s largest gathering of businesses committed to taking action on climate change.”

Mark Pearce, director of economic regeneration at Advantage West Midlands, said: “The West Midlands C+ Carbon Positive Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the rich collection of environmental excellence we have in the region.

“AWM is committed to leading the region’s transformation to a low carbon economy, and in partnership with Business in the Community and Sustainability West Midlands, we hope this competition will recognise our most creative and green businesses and communities and inspire others to tackle climate change.”

The awards are free to enter and application forms are available at www.bitc.org.uk/westmidlands with the closing date for entries now on Tuesday.

For more information about the Prince’s May Day Summit on climate change and to register your interest in attending the Birmingham event, see www.maydaynetwork.com

For more details phone Alison Maxam at Business in the Community on 0121 451 2227 or email alison.maxam@bitc.org.uk