2014 Banksia Awards now open for entry

The 2014 Banksia Awards are now open for entry. The long-running sustainability awards program recognises Australia’s innovative examples of sustainable research, practices and services.

As in previous years, entries are open across several categories. These include:

• Large Business Sustainability Leadership
• Small to Medium Sustainability Leadership, supported by Australia Post
• Local Government Sustainability, supported by Net Balance
• Sustainable Water Management, supported by Thiess
• Education for Sustainability
• Indigenous Sustainability

Furthermore, this year’s program has been revised to include new award categories that reflect vital areas of innovation that will most contribute to Australia’s successful future. The new categories include:

• Innovation in Social Infrastructure >$100 Million, sponsored by Thiess
• Leadership in Citizenship and Communities
• Natural Capital
• Innovator of the Year, sponsored by Mirvac
• Product Sustainability: through design, manufacture and use, sponsored by Closed Loop Recycling

Additionally, Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt has launched the inaugural Environment Minister’s Cleaner Environment Award - an award to recognise outstanding contributions towards achieving a cleaner, healthier environment for a stronger Australia.

In total, there are 12 categories open for entries, culminating in the Banksia Gold Award.

“The Banksia Awards are looking for initiatives that enhance the future of Australia in regards to issues such as food security, sustainable energy, water management, social inclusion, gender equality, management of biodiversity and ecosystems, and a move to resilient and productive cities,” said Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond.

This year’s finalists’ presentation will be held as part of Australia’s Sustainability in Business Conference and Exhibition on 15 October. Finalists will be given an added opportunity to discuss their achievements at an all-day event in partnership with Sustainable Business Australia.

For more information and to enter the awards, visit http://www.banksiafdn.com/the-awards.html.