Get your Glossies submission in soon!
The Living Smart ‘Glossies’ brings a new meaning to putting a feather in your cap.
These prestigious awards are regarded as the premier accolade for recognising sustainability achievements on the Sunshine Coast and council is urging businesses, residents and community groups to submit applications by 20 May.
Applications are invited in the following categories:
• building design and construction
• creating edible landscapes
• sustainable transport initiatives
• resource management and
• in the new category of ‘Greening the Arts’.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Keryn Jones said that winning an award is not just a pat on the back; it can do wonders for your business or community group and is a great way to share your experiences.
“Certainly with more and more people measuring businesses by their environmental merits, a Living Smart ‘Glossies’ Award is a great way to strengthen your environmental credibility—it’s also an exemplar to others,” Cr Jones said.
The first submissions have already been received by organisers with one of the Coast’s premier tourist attractions, The Eumundi Markets, being one of the first to enter.
Peter Homan, manager of the markets said the online submission only took about an hour to complete and entering the awards was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the Eumundi Markets and to achieve new benchmarks around its sustainability endeavours.
“We have done a great deal of work around waste management and have a closed loop waste system from producer to producer. Going through the award submission process enabled us to set the bar higher and gave us something to strive towards,” said Mr Homan.
“Every bit that you do or achieve to reduce your carbon footprint helps. By doing something and entering the awards you are raising the level of awareness of how best to conduct and operate your business for the general population.”
But it’s not just about business. Community groups and individuals can nominate for awards in a number of categories.
Cr Jones went on to say that the awards are a way for community groups to grow membership, raise awareness and recognise achievement.
“And for local sustainability heroes it’s a chance to celebrate your achievements as well as share the highs, lows and learnings you had experienced along the way.”
Those interested in entering themselves or nominating someone they feel should be recognised can do so online at www.livingsmartawards.net.au in one or more of the six categories. Up to twelve awards will be presented at the award evening on June 17 with keynote speaker, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, including a number of sub-category awards and the inaugural inception into the Hall of Fame.
Submissions for the awards close on May 20. For more information, please visit www.livingsmartawards.net.au.
Categories for the awards are as follows:
The Golden Glossy
The ultimate achievement in contributing to sustainable living on the Sunshine Coast. Granted to projects which best demonstrate significant achievements in sustainability across many elements. Subcategories:
• Resident/owner
• Professional with construction costs of under $350K
• Professional with construction costs of over $350K
Resource Saver Award
Award is for buildings that have been retrofitted or built to ensure energy and water efficiency and/or creative and resourceful use of materials, giving preference to recycled materials, materials with low embodied energy or locally sourced products where possible. A residential and professional award may be presented if warranted.
Edible Landscape Award
Award for a resident or organisation that have reduced their ecological footprint by growing some of their own food using environment friendly methods. A residential and professional award may be presented if warranted.
Sustainable Transport Award
Award for sustainable transport champions (individuals) and/or organisations who have demonstrated a commitment to encouraging and promoting the use of sustainable transport (walking, cycling and public transport). A residential and professional award may be presented if warranted.
Living Smart Solutions Award
Award for a business, organisation or individual that has demonstrated the improvement of goods and services which encourage the uptake of sustainable behaviour by the community or businesses.
EnviroBusiness Award
Award for a project, program or policy that has assisted in achieving improved sustainability within a business or organisation.
Greening the Arts
Award for artists or art project managers who demonstrate excellence in sustainable practice, including environmental and social sensitivity.
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