Inspiring a Sustainable Future for New South Wales
Sydney, Australia – On Friday, November 15, 2024, the winners of the 2024 NSW Sustainability Awards were unveiled during a ceremony held at the Australian National Maritime Museum. These awards honour outstanding achievements in sustainability, from community-driven initiatives to groundbreaking technological advancements, setting a benchmark for responsible environmental stewardship and social equity.
This year's winners represent a diverse range of sectors, each addressing critical environmental and social challenges with unique solutions. Supported by the NSW Government through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water (DCCEEW), the Banksia Foundation celebrates these remarkable achievements as part of its mission to drive transformative action towards a sustainable future.
Award Categories and Winners:
- Minister's Young Climate Champion - Cowra Public School - Littie Committee Cowra Public School's Littie Committee has been recognised for their innovative "Reuse Your Shoes!" initiative, collecting and redistributing over 400 pairs of shoes to community members in need while preventing footwear waste from entering landfills.
- Biodiversity Award - Mulloon Rehydration Initiative The Mulloon Rehydration Initiative earned top honours for their extensive catchment restoration project, partnering with 23 landholders to restore 23,000 hectares and 50 kilometres of creeks, supporting threatened species and enhancing biodiversity.
- Circular Economy Award - Citizen Wolf Citizen Wolf revolutionised sustainable fashion with their zero-waste manufacturing system and Magic Fit® technology, reducing carbon emissions by 48% per garment while offering lifetime repairs and a comprehensive take-back scheme.
- Climate Technology Impact Award - Solar Thermal Australia Pty Ltd Solar Thermal Australia Pty Ltd was recognised for their groundbreaking Wi-Fi hot water heat pump technology, which has already contributed to reducing over 20 million tonnes of emissions while optimising renewable energy usage.
- Large Business Sustainable Leadership Award - Hawkesbury City Council Hawkesbury City Council demonstrated exceptional leadership by rapidly transforming their organisational culture and implementing comprehensive sustainability strategies within just three years.
- Marketing and Communications for Impact Award - Haystacks Solar Garden Haystacks Solar Garden won for launching Australia's first large-scale solar garden, providing renewable energy access to those previously unable to benefit from rooftop solar installations.
- Net Zero Action Award - Taronga Conservation Society Australia Taronga Conservation Society Australia achieved remarkable sustainability milestones, becoming the first NSW zoo to be 100% renewable energy powered and reducing total carbon emissions by 35% in 2022/23.
- Placemaking Award - two winners
- Bridge Housing's Glebe Aboriginal Women's Housing Project Bridge Housing's Glebe Aboriginal Women's Housing Project was celebrated for delivering 20 sustainable, culturally tailored homes that combine environmental responsibility with social equity.
- Central Station Metro Central Station Metro earned recognition for their transformative upgrade of Australia's busiest, 118-year-old heritage landmark, railway station, achieving both a 6-star Green Star Custom Rating and a Leading Infrastructure Sustainability rating.
- Primary Industries and Regional Development Award - Australian Agricultural Centre The Australian Agricultural Centre's Astronomical Agriculture program was recognised for innovative STEM education, connecting over 800 primary school students with agricultural experiences and environmental awareness.
- SME Sustainable Leadership Award - Bridge Housing Bridge Housing was honoured for their comprehensive Sustainability Framework, addressing environmental, social, and governance factors while supporting vulnerable communities.
- Sustainable Tourism Award - Taronga Conservation Society Australia Taronga Conservation Society Australia received additional recognition for their extensive conservation projects and educational programs, reaching over 1.8 million visitors and achieving 100% renewable power status.
"Each of these winners demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that serves as a model for others," said Graz van Egmond, CEO, Banksia Foundation. "Their innovative approaches show how we can work together to tackle climate challenges and create a better world for future generations."
These winners inspire us to reimagine our approach to sustainability, from local communities to large-scale enterprises. The Banksia extends our heartfelt congratulations to the winners and thank our partners, supporters, and the communities who make this movement possible. Together, we build momentum toward a sustainable future where NSW thrives in harmony with its environment.
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