Victorian 2015 Sustainability Awards Call for Entries

Sustainability Victoria is looking to celebrate and acknowledge the work of leaders who have established new benchmarks in minimising their impact on the environment.

Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said the awards were a great opportunity to learn more about the practical and innovative projects in action across the state.

“Each year we see such a high calibre of talent from people who are truly passionate about the environment and being innovative in sustainable practices, including developing new products and services,” Krpan said.

The 2015 awards include two new categories – the Environmental Justice Award and the Health Award.

The ten awards will provide greater scope to elicit more information and more entries from diverse organisations and individuals.

The corporate sector, which has featured prominently in recent awards, is uniquely placed to set an agenda capable of inspiring and benefiting the broader community. For example, the 2014 Infrastructure and Building Award went to the Regional Rail Link Authority for its $4.1 billion Regional Rail Link Project, designed to remove major bottlenecks across the network to benefit both metropolitan and regional passengers; Interface Constructions, Australia’s first carbon neutral building company won the Small and Medium Enterprise Award.

The Community Award, shared by five local government areas – Knox City Council, Alpine Shire, City of Melbourne, City of Port Philip and Yarra Ranges Council, applauded the  Seedlings Early Years Education for Sustainability (EYEfS) Framework, designed specifically to be implemented in any early-learning context

"Last year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards received the highest number of entries since the awards’ inception. We look forward to this year’s entries matching even those numbers,” Krpan said.

Entries are open for all levels of government, business, organisation, community group, or individuals who have participated in a program to care for the environment and inspired leadership in their endeavour.

The categories are:

• Built Environment Award

• Community Award

• Education Award

• Environmental Justice Award

• Environmental Protection Award

• Government Award

• Health Award

• Innovative Products or Services Award

• Large Business Award

• Small and Medium Enterprises Award

Winners of the additional Premier's Regional Recognition Award and the Premier's Recognition Award will be chosen by the Premier.

Entries close Monday 13 July 2015.

For more information on the awards, including entry criteria and information sessions, visitwww.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au