Environmental measures key to business in lean times

Businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals are encouraged to put themselves forward for the 2009 Banksia Awards, with environmental measures proving themselves to be a tactic to save money and reduce business costs.

Applications are now open for the 21st annual Banksia Awards. This year’s awards program includes the Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year, the Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year, and the inaugural Brian Robinson Fellowship, a grant of up to $30,000 presented to an individual under 35 for a project in the arena of environmental sustainability.

The importance of environmentally sustainable measures has increased in the wake of the global financial crisis, with Graz van Egmond, executive director of the Banksia Environmental Foundation, advising businesses and individuals to improve their environmental strategies to reduce resource costs.

“In these times of economic uncertainty, it has never been more important for Australians to continue their pursuit of environmentally sustainable practices,” van Egmond said.

“Environmentally sustainable practices can provide organisations with an affordable way to get an advantage over competitors, at the same time as making a difference to climate change and the environment.”

The Banksia Category Awards have been relaunched in 2009 featuring four new categories to represent Australia’s environmental evolution and future sustainability requirements — Agriculture and Food, Small and Medium Enterprises Business Sustainability, Environmental Services and Large Business Sustainability.

Award nominees and finalists undergo a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of environmental experts from around Australia. Winners of the Banksia Awards receive the prestigious Banksia Award trophy, as well as public recognition for their efforts, often leading to further opportunities or increased business leads.

Entry kits and guidelines are available from www.banksiafdn.com.

The 2009 Banksia Awards include:

• Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year, supported by the Australian government;
• Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year, supported by Australian government;
• Brian Robinson Fellowship, supported by the Victorian EPA;
• Mercedes Benz Australian Environmental Research Award;
• Banksia Built Environment Award, supported by The Laminex Group;
• Banksia Eco Innovation Award;
• Banksia Education Award;
• Banksia Indigenous Award, supported by the Australian government;
• Banksia Land and Biodiversity Award, supported by Double A;
• Banksia Water Award, supported by Department of Environment and Sustainability Vic;
• Banksia Large Business Sustainability Award, supported by Department of Environment and Climate Change, NSW;
• Banksia Small and Medium Enterprises Business Sustainability Award, supported by Amcor;
• Banksia Agriculture and Food 'Paddock to Plate' Award, supported by the Australian Food and Grocery Council;
• Banksia Environmental Services Award.