Marking 25 years and a record 21 awards, entries are open for the Banksia Sustainability Awards, which continue to innovate by partnering with the Australian Sustainability Conference.

Back in 1988 when the awards first commenced, recognising environmental excellence was a unique concept. After quarter of a century, the awards have become mainstream and Australia no longer sees environmental matters in isolation.

Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond says, “Today, it is important to reflect the interdependency between environment, society and the economy and the resulting excellence that comes from meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

“So to mark its 25th Anniversary, the Banksia Awards – now known as the Banksia Sustainability Awards – has acknowledged this vital step forward. The Awards in 2013 will reflect a sustainability approach throughout the various category awards.”

To demonstrate this expansive area, a total of 21 awards will be up for grabs. New awards in 2013 include:

  • the Banksia CEO Award - recognising an individual executive's contribution towards the economic, social or environmental sustainability achievements of the organisation or company they work for and which has collateral benefits for the globe
  • the Banksia Technical Awards including:
  • Waste Minimisation Soil Remediation and Improvement
  • Energy Efficiency and Carbon Management
  • Transportation
  • Climate Adaptation
  • the Banksia Business and Not-for-Profit Award – recognising leadership in implementing projects, strategies and initiatives that demonstrate capacity building, measurably enhancing the long-term social, economic and environmental state of the community and implementation of relevant solutions. This is seen through the full application of shared sustainability principles and practices throughout joint activities, demonstrating societal value
  • the Banksia Local Government – Sustainable Procurement Award
  • the Banksia Local Government – Sustainability Award.

In order to cater for this array of new awards, the presentation format has changed. The spotlight is able to be cast on specific awards and areas. The Banksia CEO Award will be presented at the inaugural Banksia CEO’s Corroboree – a breakfast gathering of non-executive directors, CEOs and senior bureaucrats – which is designed to provide the opportunity to discuss where their respective sector will be under the sustainability umbrella in 10 to 15 years.

Additionally, the Banksia Technical Awards will be presented at a lunch, while the traditional Category Awards, the GPT Group Community Grant, the Banksia International Award and the Banksia Gold Award will be announced at the evening awards function.

The awards, to be held 9 October, will be presented on the first night of the Australian Sustainability Conference in Melbourne.