"GreenTec Awards", Berlin/Munich

In 2008 the idea was developed of drawing deserved public attention to innovative projects that advance the cause of environmental protection and resource conservation. Since then, the "GreenTec Awards" have developed into one of the world's most important ecology awards. Private individuals, initiatives, start-ups and companies of all sizes are presented with awards for their pioneering ideas at a glamorous award show held alternately in Berlin and Munich and attended by numerous celebrities. At this event, unorthodox thinkers meet ingenious engineers, inspiring projects are given a major platform; with their sustainable creations and visions, they all want to work towards more sustainability.

We have supported the event since 2011, when it was held in Hamburg - at the time holder of the title European Green Capital - under the name of "CleanTech Media Awards". Since that time our technicians have displayed enormous commitment, which, combined with the clever use of sophisticated equipment, has resulted in a gradual increase in energy efficiency from year to year. Higher acquisition costs for the equipment are compensated by lower power consumption and less maintenance. Moreover, installation is less labour-intensive as standard connections and cables are used, which also reduces transport volumes. Furthermore, we have opted to use local resources: the material used and the staff deployed are assigned from the nearest N&M branch office.

In addition to our long-lasting, direct involvement in the award shows, N&M managing director Alex Ostermaier is involved in the interdisciplinary jury, which comprises over 70 members from the world of science, associations, media and business. In parallel to the public online voting, the jury decides on the nominations for the seven different categories.

Being more efficient at events such as the GreenTec Awards is just one aspect of our efforts to promote environmental protection and the conservation of resources. Within our company, we scrutinise all of our investments in terms of sustainability aspects, a policy that not only applies to our technology but also to logistics, IT and office equipment. However, besides ecological criteria, we also take economical and socio-cultural elements into account.

Nowadays, LED spotlights are used at the award show. This also includes the "Green Carpet", where high-quality Fresnel lenses create ideal lighting conditions for photography - one of the innovations that many did not deem possible when the GreenTec Awards started out. The result is an energy-saving of around 70 percent compared with conventional technology. While efficient loudspeaker systems ensure great sound, ultra-modern laser projection technology is our choice for impressive video mapping that is rich in contrast. Our in-house studios in Dresden and Munich design and produce major elements of the media show.