Unitec wins award for sustainability

^{15 October 2012}

Unitec is proud to have won the Trailblazer Not for Profit Award at the recent 2012 Northern Region Sustainable Business Network Awards.

The award was presented at the regional event held at Parnell Jubilee Hall on October 4, putting the organisation into the 2012 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards national finals to be held in Auckland at The Cloud, Queen’s Wharf on Thursday 22 November.

Rachel Brown, CEO of the Sustainable Business Network, said, “The regional awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of businesses and individuals where they have demonstrated value across environmental, social and economic indicators."

The judges said Unitec ‘is looking way beyond a ‘do less harm, be less bad’ philosophy to deepen its stakeholders’ understanding of sustainability’,  and had demonstrated itself as ‘innovators and leaders who are considering the long-term, and are able to balance their day-to-day work with both ecological, social, and considerations.’

“We’re thrilled to receive this award, as we work hard to ensure sustainability is approached and implemented at Unitec in an integrated way,” says Unitec environmental sustainability manager, Carolyn Cox.

“Sustainability is a strategic part of our operations, and we’re fortunate to have a visionary leadership team who are committed to supporting this approach to sustainability at Unitec.”

The win also puts Unitec into the ‘People’s Choice’ Award category, and voting will soon be open to the public.

“A large cast of people should be credited for this achievement, including our Environmental Strategy Committee, Facilities Management team, Working Group members, Eco-Reps, Student Reps, and all our Unitec staff who are teaching or researching sustainability.”

The award judges were impressed with the outstanding calibre of entrants and their contribution to sustainability in New Zealand.

For more information on Sustainability at Unitec please visit www.eco.unitec.ac.nz

You can learn more about the 2012 NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards and finalists at www.sustainableawards.org.nz