Call for the environmentally responsible

In a time of global environmental concern, the City of Melbourne is calling for nominations of individuals, corporations and community groups addressing this critical issue.

The 2009 Melbourne Awards recognise companies and individuals who have contributed to making Melbourne a more environmentally sustainable city.

To be eligible for an award in the Contribution to Environment category, nominees will have achieved environmental benefits such as waste reduction, water conservation and/or quality or increased uptake of renewable energy. Also eligible are programs that impact community behaviour and educate or inspire individuals and businesses to work towards making our city more sustainable.

The City of Melbourne views environmental sustainability as a high priority for all of its events and activities and is pleased to welcome two new environmental partners to the 2009 Melbourne Awards program: Net Balance Management and Finsbury Green. Both have a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Sustainability advisory group Net Balance Management is supporting the Melbourne Awards with the design and implementation of a carbon reduction strategy, making the event carbon neutral for the first time. The strategy aims to accurately measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to minimise negative impacts on the environment resulting from the awards program and associated events.

Leading environmental printing company Finsbury Green is assisting the awards team to significantly reduce the carbon emissions produced through the production of marketing materials and other collateral.

Nominations close on 15 May 2009 and Melbourne Awards recipients will be announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony on Saturday 29 August in the lead-up to Melbourne Day (30 August). Information about the Melbourne Awards categories, criteria, entry details and judging processes can all be found at www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbourneawards.