Banksia Environmental Foundation

The Premier's Sustainability Awards recognise innovation and reward outstanding achievement in the sustainable use of our natural resources for the benefit of all Victorians, now and for the future. Hon John Brumby MP Premier of Victoria

Rise to the Challenge of Change

Rise to the Challenge of Change acknowledges that becoming sustainable is not an easy task for business, government and community, but is a necessary one.  The theme for the 2010 Awards celebrates those that have chosen to act now rather than to deem it too difficult and provides inspiration and motivation for others to tackle the hurdles of climate change.

Now in their eighth year, the 2010 Premier's Sustainability Awards recognise and reward Victorian businesses, institutions, communities and individuals that demonstrate outstanding leadership and contribute to a more sustainable future for our state. Sustainable organisations do things better, smarter and more productively while reducing their everyday environmental impacts.

Banksia Environmental Foundation

The Banksia Environmental Foundation is pleased once again to manage the Entry and Judging processes for these Awards on behalf of and independent from Sustainability Victoria.

Benefits of Entering the Awards

Entering the Premier's Sustainability Awards provides the opportunity to:

• Receive public recognition at the highest level in the State;
• Attain acknowledgement for the innovative work, expertise and vision demonstrated by your company or organisation;
• Enhance your community standing and corporate reputation by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability;
• Utilise the awards in your marketing strategy
• Demonstrate to your staff that their efforts to promote sustainability are publicly recognised

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Entry open - 10 November 2009
• Information sessions - 11 December 2009 and 28 January 2010
• Entries close - 5pm Wednesday 10 February 2010
• Awards presentation - Thursday 22 April, 2010 hosted by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Premier
  All award winners and finalists will be featured on the Sustainability Awards website.

2010 Award Caterories

There are nine Award Categories:

Premier's Recognition Award

The Premier's Recognition Award is chosen by The Hon. John Brumby, MP, Premiers of Victoria, to be the most deserving of extra recognition from the winners of the eight award categories.  The Premier's Recognition Award showcases exemplary leadership and innovation in sustainability and has shown particular determination in overcoming difficult obstacles.

Large Business

Outstanding achievements in Large Business in adopting and implementing sustainability principles.

Eligible Entries are welcome from businesses employing 100 or more employees that demonstrate environmental leadership.

Small Business

Outstanding achievements in Small Business for their adoption of sustainable measures in minimising their environmental footprint.

Eligible Entries are welcome from businesses operating in Victoria with less than 100 employees in Victoria.

Products or Services Award

Outstanding product and/or service that reduces environmental impact from a lifecycle perspective.

Eligible Entries are welcome on products or services that are commercialised.

Community

Leadership, commitment and excellence in protecting and enhancing the environment by individual, community group and public sector projects.

Eligible Entries are welcome on projects and/or initiatives based in Victoria from Community groups, Individuals and Schools.

Built Environment

The demonstration of excellence through innovation in a commercial or residential building, development, infrastructure or new technology that contributes to its sustainability.

Eligible entries are welcome on new or renovated mixed use developments, infrastructure, built form, systems and technologies relating to the built environment.

Tertiary Education

Development and delivery of educational programs and institutional practices that address and contribute to a more sustainable Victoria.

Eligible entries are welcome from Universities, TAFE's and Higher Education Institutions.

State Government

The development and implementation of environmentally sustainable initiatives by a local government.

Eligible entries are welcome from Victorian based State Government departments, agencies and authorities.

Local Government

Development and implementation of environmentally sustainable initiatives bya local government.

Eligible entries are welcome for policies, projects or programs implementated at the municipal or shire level.

General Eligibility

Eligibility applying to all Awards additional to the above individual Award eligibility

• The entry must demonstrate and evidence contribution to environmental and/or social sustainability for the state of Victoria.
• Two Year framework
  - The results / project / product / service or initiative must have been implemented in the two years up to the closing date for the Awards (e.g. between February 2008 and 2010). 
  - For projects or initiatives which commenced prior to February 2008, it is only any major new initiatives that have occurred between February 2008 and 2010 that will be eligible for consideration for the award.
• The past environmental record of the business or organisation will be taken into account when being considered for an award.
  - For those entries that reach Finalist status, EPA and Workcover checks will be undertaken on the history of the organisation submitting the entry. Legal names or organisation are required for these checks.  In light of this, applicants are encouraged to address any past record (positive or negative) in their applications
• Applicants must provide a copy of their 2008/2009 audited annual report or financial statements e.g. balance sheet and Profit and Loss Statement. Where the latest report has not been finalised, a draft copy with a copy of the report for the previous financial year may be submitted. Please note that financial statements are not required for public sector entries.

This information is required to be submitted with your entry by the closing date of 10 February 2010

The Premier's Award Sustainability Awards Kit

Please note: you will be required to complete a data collection form prior to downloading the Award Kit information.  We ask for this only so that we can keep you up to date for any information on the Awards during the Award period.

The Award Kit contains the following information.

• Large Business Award Criteria
• Small Business Award Criteria
• Products or Services Award Criteria
• Community Award Criteria
• Built Environment Award Criteria
• Tertiary Education Award Criteria
• State Government Award Criteria
• Local Government Award Criteria
• How to enter instructions
  including - Format - Attachments - Lodging your entry - Dates
• Writing Your Submission Instructions
  Including - important information to double check before submitting your entry and also what happens after your have lodged your entry
• Entry Form

ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED

The Premier's Award Sustainability Awards Entry Information Sessions

Interested in creating an entry that best showcases your project?
Have you ever wondered what is really looked for in an entry?
Are there some questions that you would like to ask about the entry process?
Well here is your chance...  

These sessions will give you the opportunity to hear some useful tips to assist you in putting together an Entry along with an opportunity to ask questions.

Some of the areas that will be covered:

• How to optimise your enter
• How to put the entry together
• Uniqueness of the entry - identifying the unique selling proposition
• Measurable outcomes
• The X factor
• The important areas to cover in your entry