UNAA Environment Day Awards call for nominations

Each year, in support of United Nations World Environment Day (5 June), the United Nations Association of Australia recognises innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives from across Australia and the important work of Australian environmental leaders through its World Environment Day Awards. This year, the association will celebrate the International Year of Family Farming.

The annual national World Environment Day Awards invite nominations from individuals, organisations, businesses, councils, schools, journalists and community groups whose work serves to protect, manage or restore our natural heritage. The pre-eminent national awards play an important role in raising awareness about key environmental issues and challenges, and inspiring and motivating individuals, organisations and businesses to take positive steps towards sustainability.

Award categories for the 2014 World Environment Day Awards include the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Sustainability Leadership Awards; Swinburne University of Technology Excellence in Sustainable Product Design Award; Hanson’s Green Building Award; Virgin Australia Community Award; Biodiversity Award; Business Awards; Environmental School Award; Individual Award; Local Government Awards; Media Award for Environmental Reporting; and Sustainability Education Award.

In 2013, innovative programs to preserve the natural habitat, limit food waste, build bridges between architecture and the environment, and encourage young individuals to take charge of their surroundings were among the winners of the World Environment Day Awards. The Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award went to Don Henry for a lifetime campaigning for environmental protection, from fighting sand mining on Moreton Island to tirelessly heading the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF). Lucy Manne and Kirsty Albion won the Prime Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Award for their vision and leadership during the short life of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), which began in 2007. One example of their work was the launch of Climate Game Change to build sufficient grass roots awareness to influence decision-makers in business and politics.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Sustainability Leadership Awards for Small and Medium Organisations went to joint winners Life Without Barriers for blending environmental considerations with a social service focus and Sydney Markets for setting an example in the fresh produce market and retail sectors. Kempsey Bypass Alliance took out the Award for Large Organisations for its construction project demonstrating innovation, community collaboration and environmental awareness education.

OzHarvest, the winner of the Virgin Australia Community Award, has successfully implemented a program based on the concept of rescuing excess food from going to landfill which echoed last year’s theme of food waste and sustainable consumption. And with a 70,000 h lifespan, covering 30 years, Brightgreen’s DR700 won the Swinburne University of Technology Excellence in Sustainable Product Design Award. Compatible with AC adapters and easy to install, the product ticked the boxes of functionality, durability, energy efficiency and market need.

The winners of the 2014 World Environment Day Awards will be announced at the awards presentation dinner to be held on Friday 13 June at the Crystal Ballroom, Milsons Point, Sydney. For more information, visit www.unaavictoria.org.au.