Ms Trish Doyle, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Heritage and Member for Blue Mountains with the winners of the Minister’s Young Climate Champion Cowra Public School – Littie Committee

Banksia Foundation

Inspiring a Sustainable Future for New South Wales

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.

For more information about the finalists and categories, please visit the Banksia Foundation’s official website.

The Banksia Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to recognising and rewarding leadership, innovation, and excellence in sustainability. The Banksia Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board and operates out of Melbourne. We collaborate with government, businesses, and communities to create awards, events, and programs that highlight sustainable solutions and inspire a broader commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Through this we can tell Australia’s sustainability stories, what we are achieving and how.

Key facts:

2024 NSW Sustainability Awards feature 11 Award Categories. In 2024, there were 37 finalists and 12 winners.

NSW SUSTAINABLITY CATEGORY AWARDS DESCRIPTIONS

Minister’s Young Climate Champion

The Minister’s Young Climate Champion Award recognises young innovators aged under 18 years who bring bold ideas for a safe and thriving climate future that align with any of the UN SDGs.

Biodiversity Award

Sponsored by Australian National Maritime Museum

The Biodiversity Award celebrates achievements in conservation, habitat restoration, and species protection. It recognises individuals, organisations and initiatives leading the way in sustainable management practices, ecosystem rehabilitation, and innovative research and technology for preserving biodiversity.

Circular Economy Award

The Circular Economy Award celebrates excellence in circular product innovation and/or incorporating circularity in sustainable business leadership.

Climate Technology Impact Award

The Climate Technology Impact Award celebrates outstanding achievements in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. This award recognises start-ups and/or scale-up business who have lab-proven innovative technologies that has the potential of significantly addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, or resilience.

Large Business Sustainable Leadership Award

Sponsored by mci

The Large Business Sustainability Leadership Award celebrates exceptional commitment and achievements in integrating sustainable practices across its operations.

Marketing and Communications for Impact Award

The Marketing and Communications for Impact Award celebrates initiatives that demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation in marketing and/or communication while effectively conveying sustainability messages.

Net Zero Action Award

Sponsored by AV1

The Net Zero Leadership Award celebrates organisations driving net zero action through embodying a comprehensive sustainability approach within their organisation.

Placemaking Award

The Placemaking Award celebrates infrastructure and built environment projects that prioritise sustainability through innovative design and practices.

Primary Industries and Regional Development Award

The Primary Industries and Regional Development Award celebrates innovators in sustainable agriculture and regional development in NSW.

SME Sustainable Leadership Award

The SME Sustainable Leadership Award recognises exceptional achievements by small and medium enterprises that integrate sustainability principles and practices into their business activities.

Sustainable Tourism Award

The Sustainable Tourism category recognises outstanding organisations, destinations, and businesses in the tourism industry that prioritise environmental conservation and have demonstrated a commitment to minimising their ecological footprint, promoting responsible travel and visitor education, supporting local communities, and preserving natural and cultural heritage.

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