The ACT Government’s annual Climate Choices Business Awards recognised businesses from across the Canberra region for their sustainability achievements.
The Climate Choices Business Awards recognise the achievements of Canberra businesses and event organisers who make an outstanding contribution to climate action in our community. The awards celebrate achievements across eight award categories.
Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, announced the awards at a networking breakfast this morning.
The 2024 Climate Choices Business Award winners are:
Zero Emissions Early Movers: Goodwin Aged Care Services
Awarded to a business that has been an early adopter and advocate for zero emissions vehicle use in their business.
Energy Star: Canberra Services Club
Awarded to a business that has successfully reduced energy and/or water consumption through efficiency upgrades and staff behaviour change.
Waste Minimisation: Les Bistronomes
Awarded to a business that significantly reduced waste and consumption by implementing innovative strategies and practices.
Sustainable Event: National Folk Festival
Awarded to a public event that reduced energy, water and/or waste and motivated public participation in sustainable practices.
Sustainable Small Business of the Year: Embassy of Belgium
Awarded to a small business that has shown outstanding efforts towards improving sustainability in the areas of waste, energy, water and/or transport.
Corporate Climate Leader: Waves Carwash
Awarded to an organisation actively leading and delivering impact by embedding climate action across operations, reducing emissions and influencing staff, suppliers and customers.
Innovation Excellence: GREN
Awarded to a business that introduced and implemented an innovative practice that successfully addresses sustainability and fosters climate action to reduce environmental impact.
Minister’s Award for Leadership: Steven Blakemore, maintenance and facilities manager, The Canberra Tradesmen’s Union Club (Dickson Tradies)
This award celebrates a person who inspires and leads others to make a difference. It is awarded to a person who has gone above and beyond to improve sustainability and promote action on climate change within their business and the broader community.
Mr Rattenbury said that the annual awards recognised some of the most innovative businesses in Canberra’s race to net-zero emissions.
“Businesses have a big part to play in realising Canberra’s energy transition and growing our city’s climate resilience.
“The Climate Choices Business Awards received high quality nominations from a diverse range of organisations. It is heartening to once again see the Canberra business community demonstrate their strong commitment to climate action and emissions reduction.
“The awards are one way of saying thanks to the people who are going above and beyond to make their business premises, processes and products more sustainable.
“Sometimes, making sustainable choices like upgrading to efficient electric appliances or installing EV chargers has an upfront cost. What these businesses are showing us is that the investment will pay off – for businesses and the community.
“Many of today’s award winners were able to make smart sustainability upgrades with the help of financial assistance and expert advice from the ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program. I encourage other ACT businesses and organisations to contact the program to find out how they can improve sustainability and demonstrate climate leadership in their operations.
“I look forward to continuing to support ACT businesses that are leading the way and making changes to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.”
