British Council Australia launches Big Green Idea 2011

Applications are now open for the Big Green Idea, a British Council Australia funding initiative designed to attract, encourage and assist Australia’s brightest entrepreneurs to develop innovative new sustainability projects.

Big Green Idea is a unique initiative in which environmentally conscious innovators will be awarded the training, support and capital needed to develop projects that will engage the widest audience and have the greatest possible positive effect on their communities.

British Council Director Nick Marchand said, “Big Green Idea is looking for eco-visionary Australians with plans to make a real contribution to Australia’s environmental future.”

Through a unique partnership with one of the leading global experts in environmental management, Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), applicants can apply for either a $10,000 or $20,000 cash grant. A maximum of six awards will be given in a range of areas including low-carbon transport and travel, energy efficiency, sustainable design, sustainable communities and creative industries.

Previous winner Melbourne-based Leyla Acaroglu said, “Initiatives like Big Green idea encourage us to be part of the solution, to help kickstart ideas that have real capacity to change the way we live and work and to implement projects in our communities.

“The Big Green Idea Award allowed me to develop ‘The Secret Life of Things’, a series of education resources for the higher education sector to help them understand and engage with sustainability.”

Marchand said, “We’re delighted to be offering Big Green Idea again in 2011. We look forward to assisting the awardees financially and supporting their professional development by connecting them with industry leaders from Australia, East Asia and the UK.”

Applications can be made online at www.bigreenidea.com.au and close on 9 May.