Harewood Residential Home in Plymouth Road was a runner-up in a competition, organised by Devon Environmental Business Initiative, for its efforts to raise environmental awareness.
Chairman of Devon County Council Margaret Rogers presented the £50 third prize and a bottle of champagne to John Ladlow, environmental group leader from Harewood Residential Home, at the Guildhall last Thursday.
Over 50 businesses from all over Devon entered the competition designed to encourage good environmental practice.
Mr Ladlow, a former nature reserve estate manager who is retired and now works part-time at the home, said he was delighted with the award.
'I am doing things from the bottom up,' said Mr Ladlow. 'At first I carried out a green audit looking at every aspect of the way we use energy and resources.
'Turning off dripping taps, switching off lights in empty rooms and shutting windows to conserve heat pays off in a very short time.
'We hold meetings on how to address energy problems in day to day life and make sure everyone is aware of them. Everybody gets involved and the response has been very encouraging.'
Mr Ladlow spoke at the awards ceremony explaining how he was happy to pass on his knowledge and experience as a former estate manager.
Congratulating the winners, Mrs Rogers said: 'We are seeing large companies taking innovative actions to improve their environmental performance that go way beyond legislative requirements.
'These actions can only have a positive effect in terms of encouraging smaller businesses to green their objectives.'
The winner, The Cheese Company based at the Taw Valley Creamery in North Tawton, received £1,000.
DEBI, in association with National Westminster Bank, will be running the competition again this year. For further information contact Laura Rowland on 01395 446090.