BUSINESSES are to be celebrated for making a difference to the planet in Southampton.

The Big Sustainability Awards are returning to Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium on September 22.

The ceremony, organised by the Southern Sustainability Partnership, will celebrate businesses and public organisations making a difference to the planet and reducing their environmental impact.

Hosting the event this year for the first time is Megan McCubbin, English zoologist, conservationist, photographer and television presenter.

She has co-hosted Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch alongside her stepfather, Chris Packham on BBC Two since 2020.

Anita Potten, director of the event organisers, said: "We’re incredibly excited for another year celebrating the best sustainability practices and initiatives that businesses and organisations have to offer.

"Organisations from all sectors coming together and working to reduce their environmental impact makes us all feel really positive about the future and it’s fantastic to be a part of it.

"We can’t wait to welcome some fresh faces as well as familiar ones this year to celebrate their achievements."

The award categories for this year include, carbon and energy management, collaboration, communicating sustainability, finance for good, net zero, startup of the year, waste, water management and the unsung hero of the year.

Nominations are open until July 31 with finalists announced on August 31. Nomination forms can be completed via www.southernsustainability.co.uk.