Sustainable Business Awards finalists picked: record entries

Judges for the 2018 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards have announced the line-up of finalists after another record year of entries.

CEO of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) Rachel Brown says the record numbers are a sign of growing business confidence in sustainability.

“It’s hard to find a business now that isn’t talking about the role it can play – or is already playing – to improve environmental or social performance. Our youth is screaming for action now from all sectors.

“Government has stepped up, seeing the economic opportunity if business leads on climate change, the circular economy and employment conditions.  We are seeing a rapid growth in SBN’s membership. Businesses really want to build their capability so they can reap the rewards of embracing sustainability.

“Our Awards are a fabulous way of showcasing the growing leadership here in Aotearoa. The eyes of the world are looking at the winners with interest. It’s exciting times for sustainable, restorative business.”

“The finalists include small businesses, corporates and not for profits, showing that all types of organisations can make a success out of sustainability. The quality of entries has been extremely high, so making the final round of judging is a considerable achievement.

Garry Taylor, Executive General Manager of NZI, the Principal Sponsor of the Awards, says they serve an important purpose.

“The impact that business is having on our environment and communities, and their increasing impact on business, is becoming more apparent and a more urgent issue to address. What the Awards do is encourage those businesses who are actively doing something about it to come forward and have their efforts recognised.

The NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards have been running for 16 years. The winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on 22 November at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront. Tickets are now on sale.

Photo: The 2017 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards winners.