Vic Premier’s ‘Oscars’ for Environment

The Victorian State Government is calling on organisations committed to sustainability  to register for a free awards scheme celebrating the contribution of businesses, communities and individuals towards creating a more sustainable Victoria.

Just over a month remains before the June entry deadline for the 2014 Premier’s Sustainability Awards, described by Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith as “Oscars for the environment”.

“These awards are the night of nights for celebrating exemplary environmentally-friendly behaviour,” he said.

“[They] recognise the outstanding work by Victorian communities, businesses and individuals who are taking action to care for and protect our precious natural assets.

“I encourage all Victorians who demonstrate leadership and innovation in sustainability to enter one of our nine categories, and I look forward to seeing a high calibre of entries.”

The nine categories in this year’s awards program are:

• Cleaner Yarra and Bay – Leadership, commitment and excellence by an individual, community group, business, organisation, or government to protect and/or enhance the health of the Yarra River, Port Phillip Bay and/or its waterways.

• Community – Leadership, commitment and excellence in delivery of sustainable projects or programs which have demonstrated widespread benefits for Victorian communities.

• Education – Development and delivery of educational programs and institutional practices that address and contribute to a more sustainable Victoria for current and future generations.

• Environmental Protection – Leadership, commitment and excellence by a business in the protection of the environment.

• Infrastructure and Buildings – Excellence in contribution to innovative design, construction/delivery and/or operation of sustainable infrastructure and buildings; whether it is a new structure or re-imagining of existing form.

• Innovative Products or Services – Outstanding innovation in products and/or services that reduce environmental impact from a lifecycle perspective.

• Large Business – Outstanding achievements by a large business in adopting and implementing sustainability principles.

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) – Outstanding achievements in small-medium business for their adoption of sustainable measures and minimising their environmental footprint.

• Tourism – Excellence in sustainable tourism which contributes to the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Victoria’s natural landscapes, ecology and local cultural heritage and/or provides tourism services through sustainable and efficient practices.

“In addition to these awards, Premier Denis Napthine will personally select two overall winners for the Premier's Regional Recognition Award and the Premier's Recognition Award,” Minister Smith said.  

Visit www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au for more information. Entries close Monday, June 2.