The CitySwitch Green Office national awards program recognises sustainability leadership among environment-friendly businesses across Australia.

Working nationally with commercial tenants to make long-term environmental improvements, this City of Sydney-led program has more than 600 members representing over 12 per cent of all city centre office space in Australia.

Urging environmentally sensitive businesses to enter the awards program, CitySwitch national program manager Esther Bailey said this year’s awards will be announced on 27 November in Melbourne. The event will be hosted by CitySwitch member CircusOz in a 100-year-old Spiegeltent.

According to Ms Bailey, the CitySwitch program presents a fantastic opportunity for both small and large businesses to make a positive impact on the environment through simple changes to the way they manage their day-to-day waste and energy efficiency.

First launched in Sydney in 2005, the CitySwitch program went national in 2008. New members signing up to the program before the cut-off date on 15 October will be in the running for one of the top accolades – the New Signatory of the Year award. Australia’s top performing offices will also be recognised across other award categories.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the annual awards offered businesses the chance to be recognised for their efforts in reducing their impact on the environment. He said that about 80 per cent of carbon emissions from cities come from commercial office buildings, but businesses participating in CitySwitch are reducing carbon and making savings at the same time.

The Lord Mayor added that CitySwitch has set a new standard for business leadership and these national awards are a great way to earn national recognition for environmental excellence.

CitySwitch is a free service offering practical advice and support to commercial office tenants to help them achieve a 4 star or higher NABERS Energy rating. The program has recently launched online member-to-member offers providing discounts and deals on energy efficiency products and services including sustainability audits and carbon offsets.