Finalists announced in Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards

The Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, has announced the 20 finalists for this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

Now in their 11th year, the awards celebrate efficient use of water, resources and energy, better waste management and recycling practices, the enhancement of the environment and effective, practical community action.

The finalists were congratulated by Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan, who described them as “remarkable Victorians”.

“This year’s finalists are really diverse and include an internationally recognised sustainable high school, a new iPhone app for citizen science and some world-class buildings,” he said.

The finalists have been selected across seven categories: Infrastructure and Buildings, Education, Environmental Protection, Innovative Products and Services, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Large Business and Community (an eighth category, Tourism, had no finalists selected). One winner will be selected from each category.

In addition, the Premier will personally select two overall winners: the Premier’s Recognition Award and the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award. The Premier’s Regional Recognition Award will focus on a regional finalist who has demonstrated significant benefit for regional Victoria. The Premier’s Recognition Award focuses on exemplary leadership and innovation in sustainability, whether metropolitan or regional.

The awards night will be held on 22 October at Peninsula A, Shed 14 Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Tickets can be purchased until 14 October from http://sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au/the-awards/awards-ceremony.