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Local Business Awards 2024

The Sustainability Award recognises businesses on the Northern Beaches that adopt and promote sustainable practices. Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Through economic, social, environmental and cultural initiatives and actions, sustainability aims to provide a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all the community - present and future.

Typically, finalists for this award demonstrate integration of sustainability practices across their business planning, operations and marketing. The evaluation process looks to identify local businesses that go ‘above and beyond’ what would usually be expected for their industry and business size.

Eligibility

This award is open to all businesses that currently operate within the Northern Beaches Local Government Area that have relevant development consent (approved use of the premises under a development application or a complying development certificate).

All applicants must also be members of Council’s Sustainability Business Network. Join and become a member today!

Benefits for Winners & Finalists

  • Trophy and certificates for display
  • Promotion via Northern Beaches Council, local media and other promotional channels
  • 2 free tickets to the Presentation Evening (one for the winner and one for the highly commended)

Judging Criteria

Refer to the Sustainability Business Network – Self Assessment Checklists. Applicants will have to demonstrate that they have completed an initial assessment, by completing one or more of the checklist actions below, for at least one of the following categories, ideally all, as per the Self-Assessment Checklists on our website. Points will be awarded for efforts made in the following eight categories.

  1. Energy
  2. Water
  3. Waste
  4. Sustainable Transport
  5. Building Management
  6. Purchasing & Procurement
  7. Production & Manufacturing
  8. Policy, Staff & Community.

How to enter

Please complete the online form below. We encourage applicants to provide supporting information to illustrate their targets and achievements.

You are unable to save the online application and return to it later. We recommend saving your answers first in a word doc and then copying and pasting the answers into the relevant fields. 

Applications are now open and close on Monday 10 June.

The Business Sustainability Award Winner and Finalists will be announced at the 2024 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards Gala Presentation Evening at Dee Why RSL on Wednesday 10 July.

There are 3 sections to the application form:

  1. Contact details
  2. Award questions
  3. Checklist actions – split into categories

Please note, we’re not expecting every category to be completed - applicants are encouraged to identify the areas of work they are focusing on in their sustainability net zero journey.

Start your application

Application information
Award questions
Unlimited number of files can be uploaded to this field.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx.
(points will be awarded for answers)
(points will be awarded for answers, particularly for innovation)
Checklist actions

Indicate which level of action your business has completed – i.e. no action, some action, moderate and high level of action – by comparing yourself against the checklist for each category. We’re not expecting every category to be completed.  Applicants can also identify the areas they are currently focusing on in their sustainability net zero journey (i.e. write ‘working towards’ in the box).

Points will be awarded for efforts made in any of the selected topics: Energy, Water, Waste, Sustainable Transport, Building Management, Purchasing & Procurement, Production & Manufacturing, plus Policy, Staff & Community.

1. Energy

We recommend you download our Energy Self Assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

1. LED lighting is used for 100% of electrical lighting.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
2. Electricity is sourced from 100% renewable energy.
e.g. all electricity is generated from on‐site solar panels or the business has opted for 100% Green Power from electricity companies.
3. Energy efficient appliances are used.
i.e. have either been upgraded through modification or when a new appliance has been purchased, the most energy efficient appliances have been chosen (Energy Star certified).
Level reached (according to the checklist)
4. Yearly Energy Audits are conducted.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
5. Appliances are powered off from the power point at the end of the day.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
6. Energy consumption is tracked and reported as part of GHG emissions metrics tracking for the businesses.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
7. Water saving technology has been implemented e.g. low flow water taps.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
2. Water

We recommend you download our Water Self Assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

8. Dual flush toilets are installed.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
9. Recycled water is captured and used.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
10. Recycled water is captured and used.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
11. Business has a system or policy to ensure tap and water leakages are resolved.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
12. All appliances have at least a 4* water rating as per Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme where appropriate.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
3. Waste

We recommend you download our Waste Self Assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

13. Paper used is 100% recycled and carbon neutral.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
14. Composting bins are provided for organics waste, and any compost produced is used (either on premise or compost goes back to the community).
Level reached (according to the checklist)
15. Recycling bins have been provided, are accessible, and are used correctly.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
16. All bills and files are managed and stored electronically.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
17. All communications with customers are electronic or via phone.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
18. A formal waste management system is in place that considers a hierarchy of waste management: reduction in waste, re‐use of materials, recycling of product.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
4. Sustainable Transport

We recommend you download our Sustainable Transport Self Assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

19. The business encourages reusable water bottles, cups and containers.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
20. The business provides employees with the opportunity to commute sustainably. (e.g., public transport/maintenance of bikes/walking shoes are subsidised).
Level reached (according to the checklist)
21. The business encourages active transport / commuting.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
22. The business offers flexible working hours to minimise travel and allow employees to commute outside peak hour times (where possible).
Level reached (according to the checklist)
23. Meetings are held virtually where practicable.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
24. Fleet Vehicles use alternative fuel sources including biogas (E10 or higher), biodiesel, or electricity.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
5. Building Management

We recommend you download our Building Management Self-assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

25. Lighting is censored, lighting automatically turns off for areas not in use.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
26. All power points are turned off at night and the business encourages employees to do so.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
27. All office supplies that the business sources are sustainable.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
More
Refer to Building Management Self-assessment Checklist for guidance
28. Natural lighting is utilised (in place of standard lighting) as the main lighting source during the day.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
More
Refer to Building Management Self-assessment Checklist for guidance
29. Windows, doors, and fans are utilised for natural ventilation and temperature regulation when appropriate.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
6. Purchasing & Procurement

We recommend you download our Purchasing & Procurement Self-assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

30. HVAC systems have been upgraded to the highest level of efficiency.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
Refer to Energy Self-assessment Checklist for guidance
More
Refer to Purchasing & Procurement Self-assessment Checklist for guidance
31. The business has a sustainable purchasing policy with clear guidelines on prioritising sustainable and ethical purchasing.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
32. Goods are sourced from local providers. on prioritising sustainable and ethical purchasing.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
33. Cleaning supplies are made from natural and sustainable ingredients that are not toxic to people or the environment.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
34. The business purchases carbon credits to offset their emissions.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
35. The business works directly with supply chains to ensure sustainability throughout.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
36. The business chooses environmentally conscious kitchen supplies.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
37. The business uses environmentally conscious stationery and other office supplies
Level reached (according to the checklist)
7. Production & Manufacturing

We recommend you download our Production & Manufacturing Self-assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

38. Carbon emissions are measured and reported.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
39. The business uses recycled materials during the manufacturing process of its product.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
40. The business explores new sustainability avenues through collaboration with other local businesses or organisations.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
8. Policy, Staff & Community

We recommend you download our Policy, Staff & Community Self-assessment Checklist, which includes examples to help guide your answers.

41. A sustainability coordinator or committee have been appointed and implement sustainability initiatives.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
42. A sustainability coordinator or committee have been appointed and implement sustainability initiatives.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
43. The business explores new sustainability avenues through collaboration with other local businesses or organisations.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
44. Policies are in place to ensure diverse and ethical recruitment.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
45. The business has staff health and wellness initiatives or policies in place.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
Refer to Energy Self-assessment Checklist for guidance
46. The business participates in charity events including volunteering, donating and collaboration with other businesses etc.
Level reached (according to the checklist)
47. The business tracks emissions metrics and implements sustainability initiatives based on company mission and staff engagement. (i.e., waste, electricity, fuel).
Level reached (according to the checklist)
48. The business tracks emissions metrics and implements sustainability initiatives based on company mission and staff engagement. (i.e., waste, electricity, fuel).
Level reached (according to the checklist)
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Purpose of collection: For applicants entering the Local Business Awards - Business Sustainability Award
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