LONDON, Jul. 27- The International Green Awards™, the leading platform for sustainability intelligence, leadership and innovation is now accepting entries in it’s 7th year and inviting delegates to attend its first free knowledge sharing summits in Australia.

This year for the first time the awards are FREE to enter and as part of the entry process participants will receive feedback in the form of a sustainability business review based on the information supplied in an online questionnaire. In addition, the Royal Society Of Arts accredited programme has organised free to attend best practice sustainability summits in key international cities including 5 about to launch in Australia this August with the purpose of knowledge sharing and showcasing previous winners.

Dermot O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer, WWF Australia commented, “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.”

The awards are being judged by a global panel of influential and respected experts, advocates and spokespeople in international sustainability including the former Costa Rican President José María Figueres; former Executive Secretary to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Yvo de Boer and Andrew Steer, incoming President at the World Resources Institute (WRI).

Sustainability is a dynamic subject and intrinsically linked with the financial bottom line of any business. Current challenges and business risks transcend beyond climate change and involve issues closer to business operations, such as resource sourcing and scarcity. It is now time for organisations to evaluate and understand their two way interaction with the environment and build resilient businesses. Some people call this ‘future proofing’ – we call this smarter business.

In its 7th year, the awards are looking to recognise organisations that have exhibited leadership and innovation in their sustainability approach. We are looking to recognise those organisations that have embedded sustainability into their DNA, where all aspects of the agenda are addressed and assessed against each other. We’ve had several award winners and finalists from Australia in the past, with the introduction of the Summits in 2012 - we expect there will significantly more entries from across the region.

Organisations can enter 6 categories this year based on size and status, each of which will be evaluated against 8 sustainability indicators which should be integral to a well rounded sustainability strategy. These include energy, water, waste, resources, carbon, transport, supply chain and social. Participation is free and each entry will be given feedback on current strengths and future areas of opportunity to enhance their future sustainability performance. You can also enter the WWF Green Game Changer Category, our joint initiative with WWF to find worldwide change agents and sustainability innovators which will be evaluated in line with their existing initiative and judged separately from the 6 main categories.

The International Green Awards™ have partnered with Australia’s industry body for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Models of Success and Sustainability (MOSS), to deliver their best practice Summits to encourage knowledge sharing amongst global and regional organisations, meet industry experts and discover how business can innovate and make money from the Green Economy as opposed to having to pay the carbon tax.

Australian Summits will be held in, TOWNSVILLE August 13th, BRISBANE August 14th, SYDNEY August 17th, MELBOURNE August 20th and PERTH August 23th. Registration is free thanks to our Partners Industry RE, Renewablelogic and the Townsville Solar City and Sustainable Townsville, and can be made at GreenAwards.com/city-summits

Some of our confirmed speakers and world class case studies include: Unilever, Interface Flor, UK’s Marks and Spencer and Royal Mail, Singapore’s United World College, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Fujitsu, Corporate Express, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse, Catholic Super, Yalumba, Sydney Theatre Company, OzHarvest, Cater Care, Republic of Everyone, Woodford Folk Festival, Global GreenTag, South Fremantle High School (Australia’s first Carbon Neutral School), Bentleigh Secondary College, Kixstaart Equities, The Blue Economy, WWF, Bookend Trust and Renewablelogic to mention but a few.

According to one of this year’s distinguished judges former Costa Rican President José-Maria Figueres “The challenges we face with climate change are not challenges at all, but incredible opportunities. In fact, I believe it to be the greatest wealth creating opportunity of our generation as we move to a post-carbon economy."

To attend one of the upcoming Australian knowledge sharing summits and hear our inspiring speakers go to GreenAwards.com/city-summits

To enter the 7th International Green Awards™ now, simply visit Smarter-Business.org to register and complete an online entry application. The entry deadline is the 23rd August 2012.

For more details on the programme visit GreenAwards.com

Editor’s notes:

International Green Awards™

The International Green Awards™ is the leading platform for sustainability intelligence, leadership and innovation. Established in 2006, the awards have a strong global presence, where over 108 countries participated in the 2011 process. Over the past years, the awards have promoted knowledge sharing and innovation towards sustainable outcomes and solutions.

Direct Entry Categories

Most Sustainable Large Corporate

Most Sustainable Medium Business

Most Sustainable Small Business

Most Sustainable NGO

Most Sustainable Government

Most Sustainable Educational Institution

WWF Green Game Changer Category

Our joint initiative with WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) is to find global change agents and sustainability innovators which will be evaluated in line with their existing initiative.

Open to a Public Vote

Most Responsible Celebrity

Nominated by the International Green Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Grand Prix (Overall Winner)

Press enquiry contacts:

Steve Drury in Sydney, Australia

0405 128 150 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Iain Patton in London, UK

00 44 (0) 207 877 0631/2/4 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Images available on request