Victorian 2010 Premier’s Sustainability Awards submissions invited

If your business uses resources sustainably and you would like to give your business a leg up, then make sure you enter the Victorian 2010 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

The awards are now taking submissions from organisations that have incorporated sustainability measures into their business or service, recognising innovation and rewarding outstanding achievement in the sustainable use of natural resources.

The theme for 2010 explores the issue of rising to the challenge of change, which acknowledges that becoming sustainable is not an easy task for business, government and community, but a necessary one nonetheless. The theme celebrates people who have chosen to act now and provides inspiration and motivation for others to tackle the challenge of climate change.

Sustainable Plumbing Solutions, winner of the 2009 Premier’s Recognition Award and the Small Business Award, is an example of a business that adopted sustainable practices. The Premier’s Recognition Award is awarded to the most deserving winner from all the award categories.

When Brent Papadopoulos started Sustainable Plumbing Solutions in 2002, he was told there was no market in rainwater tanks, greywater systems and solar hot water. Now the company is a leading designer and installer of water-saving technology.

Since winning the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, Brent’s small business has expanded its range of services and is now the preferred supplier for servicing and repairing solar hot water services and greywater treatment systems throughout Victoria for several different suppliers.

Brent has found the awards have brought credibility and promotional opportunities that money could not buy.

“The award is a great talking point with customers and suppliers, and this recognition gives my business a winning edge over other businesses for tenders and project proposals,” explains Brent.

“The media attention of winning the Premier’s Sustainability Award has introduced us to new clients and has prompted manufacturers to deal with us directly, which improves our bottom line,” he says.

Sustainability Victoria, which manages the awards on behalf of the Premier, has seen this type of recognition increase a business’s reputation with consumers, suppliers and government. Winners can be seen as good corporate citizens and build the credibility of their business by using the Premier’s Sustainability Award logo on their website and marketing materials.

Businesses that receive an award have the opportunity to establish ongoing links with winners from other categories and to network with the Premier of Victoria, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, executives from large business, and local and state government representatives.

Finalists and sponsors have the opportunity to exhibit at the awards night, which helps to promote their business and keep up to date with current best practice in their industry.

The categories for 2010 are small business, large business, community, products or services and built environment, with new categories for local government, state government and tertiary sector.

Submissions are closing on Wednesday 10 February 2010.

You can download the application kit for the eligibility criteria from the Premier’s Sustainability Awards website www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au or call the Banksia Foundation on 03 9684 4667.