Finalists announced for Green Ribbon environmental awards

New Zealand Environment Minister Amy Adams has announced the finalists for the annual Green Ribbon Awards, which honour outstanding contributions to protecting the environment.

“The variety of organisations, individuals and projects in this year’s nominations demonstrate the diversity of environmental initiatives around New Zealand and the benefits they bring to our country,” Adams said.

There are 11 award categories that recognise individuals, businesses, communities and youth, as well as larger organisations. There were 217 nominations received for the awards, which are being held for the 23rd time.

Each nomination has been assessed by a panel of judges for significant environmental benefit, measurable and tangible results, innovation, awareness-raising and going the extra mile. Initiatives of finalists include waste reduction, supporting native species, recycling, public education, lowering emissions and fuel use, and water conservation.

One finalist in the Small Business Leadership category, Orbit Corporate Travel, in Auckland, has seen its CO₂e emissions decrease by more than 50% from 148 to 71 over the past five years.

Orbit Corporate Travel - Auckland Managing Director Brendan Drury explained that the company stays informed of sustainability initiatives and passes these on to customers of sustainability-focused suppliers when they book trips.

The company manages its emissions by offsetting them using wind power projects and native forest regeneration. Issuing clients with electronic tickets and biodegradable ticket wallets for holiday documentation encourages them to lessen emissions too.

The travel outlet promotes sustainability through the recycling of all waste products, double-sided printing and photocopying, and by giving carbon emissions reports to clients. Drury added that staff are educated about the latest ways to travel sustainably so they can assist clients in meeting their business travel environmental responsibilities.

Orbit Corporate Travel - Auckland was the country’s first travel management business to be certified carbon neutral in 2008 through Landcare’s carboNZero program. The company is now certified until February 2016.

Orbit Corporate Travel - Auckland and all the other finalists will attend an awards ceremony at Parliament on 5 June, which is World Environment Day. Winners will be announced in each category and then an overall winner will be revealed.