Furniture manufacturer Design Mobel has taken the top prize at the 2007 NZI National Sustainable Business Awards in perfect example of how sustainability can be integrated into business success.
The awards are run by the Sustainable Business Network which represents more than 550 businesses, from SMEs, consultants, research and academic staff, through to large businesses and corporations.
Internationally recognised, Design Mobel designs and manufactures slat beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture. It is the number one producer of specialist mattresses for flexi slat systems in New Zealand and has won 20 major design awards in the last four years. The company sources wood from sustainable forestry operations, and it uses natural materials including bamboo, cotton, 100 percent natural latex and wool in natural manufacturing processes wherever possible.
The judges were impressed by the company’s integrity, as sustainability has been core to the operation right from the start. Environmental performance and social responsibility are key drivers in business success, and design briefs are geared around sustainability. Design Mobel conducts full lifecycle assessment of products from raw material inputs, through manufacturing, to the use of waste by-products.
Also the winner of the Trailblazer – Large and Corporate category, Design Mobel has clear leadership from the top, strong internal sustainability programme, and shares their passion through initiating ‘Green Drinks’ in the Bay of Plenty and strong community outreach programme.
Contact Energy took the prize in the Emerging – Large and Corporate category, with judges saying the company has demonstrated real leadership by publicly deferring the construction of new gas-fired power station, despite ever-growing demands for power. This has been done in conjunction with the company conducting significant research and massive investment in renewable energy generation. Contact has also set itself challenging carbon emission reduction target and is supporting its customers to reduce their own emissions.
Rachel Brown, chief executive of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is encouraged by increasing interest in the area of sustainability.
“Sustainability continues to gain the attention of all types of New Zealand business. There is better understanding about how businesses are best placed to respond, while greater awareness of consumers continues to drive better practice. It’s virtuous cycle and we are happy to be key promoter and facilitator of these changes for New Zealand business.”
The Winners and Finalists of the 2007 NZI National Sustainable Business Awards are:
Sustainable Business of the Year
Winner: Design Mobel
Trailblazer – Large and Corporate
Winner: Design Mobel
Finalists: Dulux, Opus International Consultants, Urgent Couriers
Trailblazer – Small and Medium
Winner: BeesOnline
Finalists: AgriSea NZ, Catalyst R & D, Squiz, The Mussel Inn
Trailblazer – Not for Profit
Winner: YHA Wellington City
Finalists: James St School, Waimarie Community House, Waitakere Enterprise
Emerging – Large and Corporate
Winner: Contact Energy
Finalists: Intalok Solid Timber Homes, John Walker Printers, Sinclair Knight Mertz
Emerging – Small and Medium
Winner: Starfish
Finalists: Aotearoa Breweries, Kingswood Skis, State of Grace
Sustainable Design and Innovation
Winner: Fumes TV
Finalists: 3R, Advanced Traffic Supplies, Fulton Hogan Waikato, Greenspace, Kingswood Skis, Russell Devlin Architects, Windflow Technology
