The UK arm of Yell, the international directories business, has won a second Queen's Award for Enterprise, officially acknowledging it as an outstanding benchmark for sustainable development.

It is recognised as continuing to excel in pursuing sustainability - an approach to business that entails the fostering of strong economic growth whilst also benefiting society, encouraging protection of the environment and demonstrating prudent use of resources.

The company, part of the FTSE 100 Yell Group, has won the award for its development of an innovative management and leadership system to implement and promote sustainable development. It won its previous Queen's Award for Enterprise in the sustainable development category in 2002 - an honour that is held for five years.

In winning a second award, Yell showed that a sustainable approach lies at the heart of every aspect of its business, from its management principles and structure, through to measures to minimise its impact on the environment and initiatives to benefit the wider communities in which it operates.

The official award summary states: "The outstanding sustainability performance of the company is reflected by the wealth of external recognition it has received, recognising its successful embedding of sustainability within all aspects of its business. "Yell Limited provides an exemplary benchmark for others within and beyond its sector."

Yell is praised for "its impressive array of innovative initiatives embracing all aspects of sustainability". Particular mention is made of the Yellow Woods Challenge, Yell's flagship environmental campaign for schools run in partnership with the Woodland Trust and local authorities across the UK.

The Challenge entails youngsters taking old Yellow Pages directories into school for recycling, with every participating school getting a free environmental education pack to help teach pupils about paper, recycling and woodland conservation. A Challenge mascot, Kirk, helps bring the issues of recycling and the environment to life and make it fun. More than one million children have taken part since it was launched in 2002 and more than one million old directories have been recycled.

Integrated management approach incorporating sustainable development - fully integrated approach

Leadership and Management dimension - guiding principles and Code of Ethics

Environmental dimension - ISO 14001, carbon footprint reduction and waste management procedures

Social dimension - HR practices and working with charities

Economic dimension - supporting economic growth and the community