Bakers, plumbers and an academic institution vie for Premier's sustainability awards

Announcing the finalists, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the Premier's Sustainability Awards recognised the hard work and innovation done by the business and community sectors to reduce their carbon footprint and resource use.

"The Brumby government is taking action to support Victorian businesses, groups and individuals prepared to look for innovative ways to reduce their impact on the environment," Jennings said.

"This year's awards have a particular focus on the theme of innovation. Innovation is a key driver of sustainability and what these finalists all share is a vision for a sustainable present and future and the ingenuity to see it through.

"All Victorians stand to benefit from the good ideas that are being recognised through these awards."

The finalists selected independently by the Banksia Foundation on behalf of Sustainability Victoria are:

• Products & Services — Bottlecycler, Planet Savers and MECU;
• Community — Bentleigh West Primary School, Centre for Sustainability Leadership, Western Port Greenhouse Alliance;
• Built Environment — University of Melbourne Faculty of Economics & Commerce Building, Western Water and Lend Lease;
• Small Business (sponsored by Sensis) — Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, Sustainable Plumbing Solution, Alto Hotel on Bourke; and
• Large Business (sponsored by Carbon Down) — Toyota, GPT Group and Yarra Valley Water.

The winners will be announced in a ceremony hosted by TV personality Rove McManus at the Palladium at Crown on 16 April 2009.

The awards are supported by major sponsors including the Industry Superannuation Property Trust (ISPT) and event sponsors TRUenergy and Allira Elgo Estate.