Hewden, the UK's largest plant hirer, is celebrating being the first ever recipient of the European Environmental Award. Hewden saw off stiff competition from some of Europe's top rental companies and suppliers to pick up the award at the inaugural European Rental Awards ceremony on Wednesday June 4th 2008.

The awards, held at the Okura Hotel Amsterdam, recognise and promote excellence amongst rental companies and suppliers to the rental sector. Jointly organised by the European Rental Association and International Rental News, the event coincided with the first International Rental Exhibition in Amsterdam.

Brian Sherlock, Director, Hewden Stuart PLC, said, "This award is further recognition of Hewden's commitment to the environment following our target of having all our depots ISO 14001 accredited by the end of 2008. This prestigious international acknowledgement is evidence of how the entire Hewden team has really embraced the environmental policies we have introduced. We believe that these awards will soon become an industry standard, and we are honoured to be one of the first winners in its inaugural year."

The judges felt that Hewden's Green Boots Campaign showed real commitment to environmental best practice, and were impressed with the fact that it sought to educate and raise awareness of environmental issues within the construction industry as a whole. There was further praise for the number of external and internal initiatives that Hewden has implemented, including the Green Communities scheme, which sees Hewden working with local authorities to improve local communities, and the Shout About Noise Campaign, which highlighted the dangers and environmental impact of excessive noise. Shout About Noise is already an award winner having scooped the 2007 PR Week Award for Marketing Communications: Business.

Brian Sherlock continues, "Although there can only be one winner, I believe that all those nominated in the Rental Environmental Award deserve special recognition. These people have decided to take responsibility for their environmental impact and want to start giving back to their respective communities".