Entries in the 2018 Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards – which recognise individuals, communities, organisations and businesses that are leading the way to a sustainable future – have been officially opened.

The 2018 Premier’s Sustainability Awards categories are:

• Built Environment
• Community
• Education
• Environmental Justice
• Environmental Protection
• Government
• Health
• Innovative Products or Services
• Small and Medium Enterprises
• Large Business

Entries in 2017 included a small business that uses new technology to clean without chemicals, a unique program that recycles discarded hotel soap for use in disadvantaged communities, a new type of residential development that uses less energy, and a program that is rebuilding Port Phillip Bay’s long-lost oyster reefs.

Victoria is taking action on climate change, and delivering VRET targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025 and zero net emissions by 2050.

Entries are open now. For more information go to sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The Premier’s Sustainability Awards is an opportunity to recognise Victorians who are leading the way in sustainable practices across all sectors.”

“We know that more and more Victorian businesses, not-for-profit organisations, community groups and government programs are implementing sustainable practices.”

“Many Victorian organisations are nation leading in their sustainable practices and I encourage them to enter the Premier’s Sustainability Awards this year to inspire others to think more creatively about the work that they do.”