Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) has partnered with the Banksia Foundation to introduce a new award category in 2014 to recognise product sustainability.
An annual sustainability awards program in Australia that recognises and rewards excellence in environmental developments, the Banksia Sustainability Awards takes a broad view of sustainability, going beyond environmental benchmarks to achievements at a social and economic level.
The new award category, Product Sustainability through Design, Manufacture and Use Award recognises outstanding achievement in improving sustainability through the design, manufacture and commercial application of a product. In addition to new products, improvements in process or design that increase the sustainability of existing products will also be considered for the award.
Graz van Egmond, Chief Executive Officer of Banksia Foundation thanked GECA for its assistance and support in the creation of the new award category. He also encouraged GECA licensees to enter the 2014 Banksia Awards Program for an opportunity to be recognised for their leadership and innovation.
^The Rio Tinto Naturescape, Kings Park & Botanic Gardens was the winner of the 2013 Education award. Image: Bansia Foundation.
GECA CEO Rupert Posner said the two organisations hoped to showcase the great work being done and use it to inspire and encourage others to follow suit. He added that the new Banksia category will recognise the sustainability of products.
<The 2013 Land and Biodiversity - Preserving Our Ecosystems Award went to ‘Gondwana Link: 1000kms of goodwill and good work’. Image: The Australian.
In a new initiative at this year’s awards, finalists in each category will get a chance to present their case studies at a conference-style event just prior to the announcement of the winners.
The 2014 Category Awards:
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Banksia Gold Award
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Large Business Sustainability Leadership
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Small to Medium Business Sustainability Leadership
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Local Government Sustainability
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Innovation in Social Infrastructure > $100 Million
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Leadership in Citizenship and Communities
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Sustainable Water Management
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Natural Capital
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Innovator of the Year
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Education for Sustainability
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Product Sustainability – through design, manufacture and use
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Indigenous Leadership for Sustainability
2014 Banksia Additional Awards
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Environment Minister's Cleaner Environment Award
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Banksia International Award