Sustainability Awards Launched in the UK

The seventh edition of the International Green Awards, an initiative to recognize the work of leaders and innovators in the sustainability arena, has been launched in the UK. The first edition took place in 2006 and it has grown to attract interest in 108 countries in 2011. The ethos of the awards is to promote knowledge sharing and innovation in the search for sustainable outcomes and solutions.

One of the novelties added to the 2012 edition is that the awards are free to enter and include a free sustainability review for all participants. The jury panel includes some key figures of the sustainability community including former Costa Rican President José María Figueres, Yvo de Boer, who is the former Executive Secretary to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Andrew Steer, incoming President at the World Resources Institute (WRI).

"We are looking to recognize those organisations that have embedded sustainability into their DNA, where all aspects of the agenda are addressed and assessed against each other," the organization said in its press statement.

Applying organizations can enter six categories based on size and status. Each category will be evaluated against eight sustainability indicators which should be integral to a well rounded sustainability strategy. These include energy, water, waste, resources, carbon, transport, supply chain and social responsibility.

"Receiving an International Green Award is a prestigious accolade for any environmentalist or environmentally focused organisation, acknowledging key achievements and dedication in the area of sustainable innovation," said Dermot O'Gorman, Chief Executive Officer, WWF Australia.

Besides the awards, the organization also puts together best practice conferences in cities across the globe in order to create a platform for knowledge sharing amongst global and regional organizations. Called "city summits", they gather a pool of practical best practice examples through past winners and industry experts, and engage with regional audiences on their sustainability strategies.

The first summit took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on June 05th and was hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Other confirmed summits for 2012 will be in Mumbai, Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong with more to be confirmed.

The deadline is August, 23rd. To find out more visit the International Green Awards website.

Image credit: International Green Awards