ONE of York's biggest employers has surprised everyone by entering the awards - in the Best Environmental Company category.

What, you may ask, can CGU, now Norwich Union, offer the green debate? It doesn't emit noxious fumes or pollute waterways.

But as CGU the company this year implemented a new code on Socially Responsible Investment, listening environmental advice when choosing stocks and showing preference for recycled products.

It is slashing unnecessary vehicle journeys and reducing waste paper from five large skips a day to three skips, three days a week, often half-full.

Achievements include -

"Switch off" campaigns, keeping photocopies down to a bare minimum

Establishing electronic policy records

Collecting premiums by direct debit or on the internet, thus saving paper, transport and storage

Video conferencing to reduce unnecessary car journeys

Getting suppliers to explain their environmental policies, making sure paper is recycled and wood is from sustainable forests.