2013 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards finalists announced

The judges of the 2013 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards have selected this year’s finalists from over 230 entries.

Now in their 10th year, the NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards are New Zealand’s longest-standing sustainability awards, celebrating the contribution businesses and individuals are making to transforming New Zealand to a model sustainable nation.

The awards have been restructured to better recognise businesses that are making a real difference by transforming New Zealand’s business landscape. The CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), Rachel Brown, said this year’s finalists are “re-thinking business models, products and services and using sustainability as a platform for change”.

“SBN is focusing on four transformation areas that encapsulate the future direction of sustainability: renewables, mega efficiency, community and restorative,” said Brown. “The awards are structured around these transformation areas, recognising impact and innovation within each category. There are also awards for Communicating Sustainability and for a Sustainable Champion.”

AUT University has been announced as a finalist for the Mega Efficiency Impact category and for the EECA Business Energy Management Award. This follows the Highly Commended Carbon Reduction Award AUT received at the Australasian Green Gown Awards earlier this year.

AUT’s approach to sustainability focuses on transport, energy and waste. The university has implemented initiatives such as an alternative transport program which incentivises staff to travel to work using public and other transport options, lighting upgrades, more efficient boilers, painting building roofs white to reduce heat gain within buildings, the introduction of worm farms, underground recycling bins, and ensuring that staff and students can responsibly recycle plastic, paper, cardboard, glass and cans.

The full list of finalists can be viewed online and the winners will be announced at the awards evening on Thursday, 21 November at Auckland War Memorial Museum. Tickets are available for purchase here, with early bird sales open until Friday 8 November.