From large corporations like Nestle creating circularity for soft plastic packaging, to a dedicated team of hospital workers tackling their own war on waste, the new NSW Sustainability Awards, presented by Banksia Foundation, recognise a range of initiatives working towards a more sustainable future.
The Banksia Foundation has today announced finalists for the seven award categories, which celebrate businesses, communities, individuals and governments making a positive impact on the world.
Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond says the organisation, which runs Australia’s longest running national sustainability awards, will be excited to launch its first state awards program in Australia’s most populous state.
“Working with DPIE on the NSW Sustainability Awards ensures that we can dig deeper into the amazing leadership and innovation across NSW and take this leadership to the national level,” Ms van Egmond says.
“We have such a diverse array of initiatives amongst the finalists, from government right through to small and large businesses, and our young people wanting to make a change.
“The finalists share a drive to improve life on the planet, but they’re doing so in such different ways. Our experienced judges will evaluate the entrants’ results and impact, and assess their ability to scale.
“Our judges also are on the lookout for the real standouts; the ones that provide inspiration and the spirit of just getting on and getting it done.”
Among finalists are Australian cultural icon, the Sydney Opera House, which has committed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, as well as Sydney Trains, that have set the ambitious target of achieving 100% net zero emissions by 2025.
“But it’s not only large organisations making a difference: 15-year-old Shalise Leesfield has been recognised for her passionate advocacy for the health of our oceans, and Seaside Savange, a grassroots organisation, has been shortlisted thanks to their ongoing efforts to inspire local communities to clean up their streets,” Ms van Egmond says.
There are seven categories in the NSW awards:
- NSW Net Zero Action Award
- NSW Biodiversity Award
- NSW Circular Transition Award
- NSW Clean Technology Award
- NSW Large Business Transformation Award
- NSW Small to Medium Business Award
- NSW Youth as our Changemakers Award
A full list of the finalists is included below.
The winners of the NSW Sustainability Awards will be announced on 9 December in Sydney. Banksia and the NSW Government are proud to be partnering with EY Sydney for this celebratory event.
Winners of the NSW awards will automatically be entered into the prestigious Banksia National Sustainability Awards. The winners of the national Banksia awards will be announced in March 2022.