by business editor Trevor Sturgess

H+H UK, a manufacturer of aircrete blocks, has been hailed as a role model for other businesses after being named the county's top green business.

The Borough Green-based firm was dubbed Kent Environment Business of the Year 2010 at a gala dinner last night.

It was hosted by BBC radio presenter Geoff Clark in the Victorian theatre of science at Salomon's, Tunbridge Wells. It was the second year in a row that the company had won a Kent green accolade.

After project engineer Gary Thwaites was presented with the coveted dragonfly trophy, chief scientist Colin Cook said: "It's absolutely marvellous.

"We pride ourselves on being a leader on environmental and sustainable issues for aircrete manufacturers in the UK."

H+H UK makes thermally insulating, recyclable blocks, and has slashed water, gas and electricity consumption as well as cutting waste by 1,000 tonnes.

The company was the first of its kind in the UK to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard and is among The Sunday Times top 10 green companies.

Nick Chard, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, presented H+H UK with the award.

He said there was financial as well as environmental benefit from being green.

"Yet again Kent has wowed us with the wide range of businesses that are dedicated to becoming more eco-friendly."

The 22nd annual awards were organised by Kent County Council. Sustainable business programme manager Alex Green said: "The company is an excellent role model to other businesses by showing there is always more that can be achieved, and clearly demonstrating that environmental standards can be addressed in a continuous, innovative and evolving way."

Other awards went to: Skillnet Group Community Interest Company (Commitment to the Environment); Nordic Recycling (Achievements in Resource Efficiency); Geo-Mole (Innovative Technology) Ashford International Hotel (Sustainable Business Practices); and Directline Structures (Sustainable Design and Construction).

The Awards are sponsored by Kent County Council, BSK-CiC, E.ON, the Environment Agency and the KM Group.