UPFRONT Sustainability awards

It’s time for companies that are adopting sustainable business practices to put their hands up for bit of recognition. The 2004 National Sustainable Business Awards are now under way with entries closing on September 6.
It’s only the second time that the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) has run awards to celebrate those companies taking lead in working toward business outcomes that are not just profitable but take environmental and social impacts into account.
“Sustainable business makes sense,” says SBN chief executive Jami Williams and that is what the awards help to highlight.
“It’s more than catchphrase – it’s fact of doing business.”
There are some incredibly innovative initiatives being undertaken by New Zealand businesses, says Chris Morrison who heads Phoenix Organics and chairs SBN’s national board.
“By entering the awards companies get the opportunity for support and recognition through media coverage and publicity.”
Initiatives being rewarded include examples of leadership, waste reduction and efficient resource use, integration of environmental management into everyday business practices, energy efficiency plans or initiatives, employee and stakeholder relationships and community programmes.
Award categories include small, medium and large businesses plus, this year, new “sustainability innovation” award designed to recognise and highlight an outstanding and innovative contribution to sustainable business practice.
Entry forms can be found at www.sustainable.org.nz/awards.asp or by calling the Sustainable Business Network on 0-9-920 2400.