Premier's Sustainability Awards – How to enter

Last updated: 23 November 2023
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Entries for the 2023 Premier’s Sustainability Awards are closed and judging is complete.

Find out more about the 2023 winners and finalists.

You can also view initiatives from previous years at Past Winners and Finalists.

For information about the entry process and benefits of the Premier’s Sustainability Awards, continue reading below.

The award categories represent exceptional sustainability outcomes that can be delivered by projects and initiatives, and link to the globally-accepted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Entering the 2023 Awards

Entrants for the 2023 Premier’s Sustainability Awards were required to enter projects that have demonstrable results between 2021-2022. Initiatives with activity over a longer period were considered if there were significant new results or changes that had occurred in 2021-2022. If an initiative commenced in 2023, entrants were advised to return next year and enter the 2024 Awards.

For an entry to be eligible, the demonstrable activities and results associated with the entry must have been within Victoria. As long as eligibility criteria for each category are met, entrants could enter a project into a maximum of 2 categories.

The independent judging panel was comprised of key industry leaders in Victoria, who were selected based on their reputation and expertise in environment and sustainability. Entries and judging were managed by Nation Partners to ensure a fair and unbiased process and outcome.

Entry submissions were completed through our simple online portal. Entrants were asked to provide the following 4 elements to complete their entry:

  1. Responses to 5 questions. Entrants had 300 words to answer each question. This was the primary information the judges used to evaluate entries,
    1. What were the objectives of your initiative?
    2. How did you implement your initiative?
    3. What were the sustainability outcomes and results of your initiative in 2021-2022?
    4. How did your initiative engage stakeholders or use partnerships to achieve sustainable outcomes?
    5. How could your initiative be continued or expanded in the future?
  2. A minimum of 4 images that illustrate their initiative for the judges (minimum 300dpi).
  3. Further supporting documents – examples could include testimonials, sustainability reports, media coverage, videos, graphs etc. Providing supporting documents was optional. These were viewed by the judges.
  4. Promotional materials, including two PR summaries (one maximum 150 words and one maximum 500 words) and a minimum of 4 images to be used for promotional purposes (minimum 300dpi).

Tables and other similar formats were included in the word count if in the answer box underneath the question, but not if attached as a supporting document.

The most successful entries told their story clearly, explained the broader and lasting value of the initiative, expressed their passion for sustainability and provided relevant, clear supporting evidence materials.

A suggested useful framing for responses was the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 global goals to guide sustainable development that underpin the 2023 Award categories.

Why enter the awards?

Entering is easy and free: The submission process is simple to complete and our team can assist you with any queries you may have.

Publicity: Receive public recognition at the highest level in the state. If you go on to become a finalist, a media release will be written and distributed on your behalf, and social media content provided.

Media outreach includes sustainability media, local councils, industry, representative bodies, suburban and regional media and social media channels.

Share the learnings: The awards are a great platform to tell your inspiring story and to hear from others. Entrants are among the most innovative sustainability leaders in Victoria. You’ll be sure to learn something new.

Be recognised: Attain acknowledgement for the innovative work, expertise and vision demonstrated by your organisation. Enhance your community standing and corporate reputation by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.

Review and reflect: Entering the awards is a great opportunity to reflect on the successes you and your organisation have achieved in sustainability. It's also a great way to demonstrate to your staff that their efforts in sustainability are publicly recognised.

Networking opportunities: If you are a finalist, you’ll be invited to attend the awards ceremony, where you’ll have a chance to network with environmental, industry and government groups and industry peers.

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