Jonathan Adnams, executive chairman of Adnams brewery, has been given the honour for corporate social responsibility.Jonathan, who was also a member of Southwold's lifeboat crew for 28 years, has promoted energy-efficient buildings at the brewery.He became Chairman in 2006 after becoming a member of the board in 1988.
Mr Adnams said: "I am delighted to accept this honour as a public acknowledgement of what Adnams has achieved over the years.
"Wherever possible, our aim is to make long-term decisions that are good for our business, employees, our community and the environment.
"Adnams has been brewing beer in Southwold since 1872 and I firmly believe that our approach to sustainable business and commitment to doing the right thing will keep us here for many years to come."
The newly-installed Adnams brewhouse features an energy recovery system which captures the steam from each brew to heat the next.The achievements made in reducing environmental impact were celebrated earlier this year with the launch of Adnams East Green, the UK's first carbon neutral beer. Recently Adnams have linked up with the Marine Conservation Society's Adopt-a-beach scheme and organises regular beach cleans on a stretch of Southwold's beach.