The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – containing Australia’s capital, Canberra, and surrounding townships – has been awarding businesses for their sustainable choices for over 10 years. This time, charities, hotels, businesses, and embassies were among the winners of the Climate Choices Business Awards. These prizes recognized companies’ contributions to sustainability and climate action.
Shane Rattenbury, Minister of Emission Reduction in ACT, explained how these businesses move towards environmentally sustainable practices, such as reducing energy and water usage and waste in landfills.
“I’m proud to see the innovative and proactive ways that Canberra businesses are taking action on climate change. It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate some of ACT’s climate action leaders in the business community. […] Local businesses can play a big part in making the products and services we buy more environmentally sustainable, and the Climate Choices Business Awards celebrate those that go above and beyond”
The ACT’s government supports environmental programs like Business Energy and Water Program, the Business Recycling Program, and the Zero Emissions Vehicle Fleet Advisory Service.
The 2022 Climate Choices business award winners were:
- Waste Minimization Award: Embassy of United States of America
- Sustainable Event Award: Embassy of Belgium
- Zero Emissions Early Movers Award: Electromotiv Pty Ltd
- Sustainable Business of the Year: Woden Valley Early Learning Centre\
- Corporate Climate Leader: Little National Hotel & St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn
- Innovation Excellence Award: Vikings Group
- Minister’s Award for Leadership: Little National Hotel
Tara Cheyne, ACT’s Minister for Business and Better Regulation emphasized how Canberra’s firms are leading in environmental actions:
“Businesses in the ACT have not only embraced but lead in environmentally sustainable practice and innovation, and it is fitting that we recognise and celebrate this leadership with these awards. Congratulations to all the winners whose achievements and innovations will continue to inspire more businesses to consider how they can help reduce emissions.”
The ACT, a global leader in reducing emissions
The ACT region has already reached a target for 100% renewable electricity. Last month, the executive announced they will phase out fossil fuel gas by 2045. Canberra will be electrified with renewable electricity over the next two decades.
The administration is working to mitigate and adapt to climate change with a strong effort to cut emissions. Their Zero Emissions Framework sets actions such as:
- Making government buildings and facilities all-electric and climate-wise.
- Transitioning the government car fleet to zero emissions vehicles.
- Transitioning the region bus fleet to zero emissions buses.
- Co-locating government staff in centralized offices and supporting flexible work arrangements.
The ACT Greens, 3rd force in ACT politics
ACT Greens are the fastest growing political party in the region. Founded in 1992, they are the third force in ACT politics. They define themselves as a party that acts and thinks differently:
“By designing policy in collaboration with the people they impact, by refusing corporate donations from companies seeking influence, and by bringing community voices right into the Assembly”.
With three Ministers and three independent members in the government, ACT Greens try to ‘Build a Better Normal’. They listen to citizens to find solutions to the major challenges of society and the planet.
The group longs to create a sustainable future by focusing on real climate action, biodiversity preservation, affordable homes and renters rights, refugee rights, green jobs, supporting arts, …
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